Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
09:06

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

Published on: October 7, 2025

MicroRNA-based therapeutics for cancer

Vivien Wang1, Wei Wu

  • 1Department of Pathology, Evanston Northwestern Hospital, Evanston, Illinois, USA.

Biodrugs : Clinical Immunotherapeutics, Biopharmaceuticals and Gene Therapy
|April 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are implicated in cancer. miRNA-based therapies, using mimics or antagomirs delivered via nanoparticles, offer a promising anti-tumor strategy with considerations for safety and toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to various cancers, where miRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors.
  • MiRNAs are crucial in regulating fundamental biological processes including cell development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
  • To summarize the various delivery systems employed for miRNA therapeutics in preclinical and experimental research.
  • To discuss the safety and toxicity profiles associated with miRNA-based cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on miRNA function in cancer.
  • Analysis of experimental and preclinical studies utilizing miRNA mimics and antagomirs.
  • Examination of diverse delivery systems including liposomes, viral vectors, and nanoparticles.

Main Results:

  • Correction of aberrant miRNA expression can restore normal gene regulatory networks and reverse cancer cell phenotypes.
  • MiRNA mimics and antagomirs demonstrate potential in normalizing dysregulated signaling pathways in cancer.
  • Various delivery systems are being explored to effectively and safely administer miRNA therapeutics.

Conclusions:

  • MiRNA-based gene therapy presents a viable and attractive approach for integrated cancer treatment.
  • Further research into delivery systems and safety is essential for clinical translation of miRNA therapies.
  • Modulating miRNA activity offers a novel strategy to combat cancer by targeting key oncogenic or tumor-suppressive pathways.

More Related Videos

Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases09:48

Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases

Published on: August 23, 2024

Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis11:44

Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis

Published on: March 30, 2019

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.