Targeting microRNAs to modulate TRAIL-induced apoptosis of cancer cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously expressed small non-coding RNAs, which are evolutionarily conserved and function as regulators of gene expression. These molecules are involved in numerous biological processes including differentiation, development, proliferation and apoptosis. Further investigation identifies that miRNAs may act as either potent oncogenes or tumor-suppressor genes, linking to cancer initiation and progression. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), as a member of the TNF family, is an attractive therapeutic target in cancer because it directly induces tumor cell apoptosis and has no cytotoxicity to normal cell types in vitro or in vivo. However, the resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis limits its clinical effectiveness. Interestingly, several studies convincingly demonstrate a role of miRNAs in modulating sensitive/resistant phenotypes to TRAIL. Here, we review the current findings about miRNAs involved in TRAIL-induced apoptosis in different cancers.