MicroRNAs as New Characters in the Plot between Epigenetics and Prostate Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCA) remains a significant cause of cancer-related mortality.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, are differentially expressed in PCA, implicating them in carcinogenesis.
• miRNAs are subject to epigenetic regulation and can, in turn, modulate epigenetic machinery, impacting oncogenes and tumor suppressors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of epigenetically regulated and epigenetically regulating miRNAs in prostate cancer.
• To elucidate the intricate interplay between miRNA-epigenetics interactions and androgen receptor (AR) regulation in PCA.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on epigenetic regulation of miRNAs in PCA.
• Analysis of studies investigating miRNA targeting of epigenetic machinery.
• Examination of the impact of these interactions on AR expression.

Main Results:

• miRNAs involved in PCA pathogenesis are subject to epigenetic modifications.
• These miRNAs can influence the expression of genes controlling epigenetic processes.
• The complex interplay affects the expression of the androgen receptor (AR), a critical therapeutic target.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic regulation of miRNAs is crucial in prostate cancer development and progression.
• miRNA-epigenetics interactions significantly influence AR signaling pathways.
• Understanding these mechanisms offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies in PCA.