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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Differentiation of a Human Neural Stem Cell Line on Three Dimensional Cultures, Analysis of MicroRNA and Putative Target Genes
Published on: April 12, 2015
MicroRNA-21: a novel therapeutic target in human cancer
Xuan Pan1, Zhao-Xia Wang, Rui Wang
1The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
Resistance to anticancer agents is the major clinical obstacle to the successful treatment of cancer, yet the mechanisms underlying drug resistance have not been fully characterized. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small (19-25 nucleotides in length) noncoding RNAs, which function by base pairing with messenger RNAs, thereby regulating protein expression. Emerging evidence shows that alteration of miRNAs is involved in cancer initiation and progression. MiR-21 is a miRNA that is overexpressed in most tumor types, and acts as an oncogene by targeting many tumor suppressor genes related to proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. In vivo and in vitro studies suggest that miR-21 may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for human malignancies. More recently, studies have identified an important role for miR-21 in anticancer drug resistance. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying miR-21-mediated chemoresistance and the potential use of miR-21 as a novel molecular target for cancer chemotherapy.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in cancer. This review details how miR-21 contributes to anticancer drug resistance and explores its potential as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Anticancer drug resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression and are implicated in cancer.
- miR-21 is frequently overexpressed in tumors and functions as an oncogene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of miR-21-mediated chemoresistance.
- To discuss the potential of miR-21 as a target for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miR-21 and chemoresistance.
- Analysis of in vivo and in vitro experimental data.
Main Results:
- miR-21 overexpression is linked to resistance against various anticancer drugs.
- miR-21 targets tumor suppressor genes involved in drug response pathways.
- miR-21 has shown potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker.
Conclusions:
- miR-21 plays a critical role in the development of chemoresistance.
- Targeting miR-21 may offer a novel strategy to overcome drug resistance in cancer treatment.
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