MicroRNAs in cancer - from research to therapy

William C S Cho1

  • 1Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR. chocs@ha.org.hk

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in cell pathways and tumorigenesis. Understanding miRNA targets and mechanisms offers potential for novel miRNA-based cancer therapeutics.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression.
  • miRNAs play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including tumorigenesis.
  • Dysregulation of miRNA activity is implicated in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest findings on miRNA target genes.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which miRNAs influence cellular behaviors.
  • To explore the potential of miRNA-based therapeutics for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on miRNA targets and functions.
  • Analysis of experimental data on miRNA-mediated gene regulation.
  • Synthesis of information on miRNA mechanisms in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Identification of specific genes targeted by various miRNAs.
  • Elucidation of miRNA-driven cellular pathways involved in cancer.
  • Evidence supporting the role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs are significant regulators in cellular pathways and cancer.
  • Targeting miRNA activity presents a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
  • Further research into miRNA mechanisms can lead to effective therapeutic interventions.

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...
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...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...