MicroRNA dysregulation during chemical carcinogenesis

MicroRNAs, potent negative modulators of gene expression, are involved in the regulation of fundamental cellular processes, including cell differentiation, metabolic regulation, signal transduction, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Aberrant levels of miRNAs have been documented in all major human cancers, leading to the suggestion that deregulation of miRNA expression might be significant in tumorigenesis. This review presents the current evidence that demonstrates the involvement of miRNA deregulation in the early stages of lung, liver and breast carcinogenesis induced by chemical carcinogens, suggesting their major role as contributors to the pathogenesis of cancer.