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MicroRNA and Epigenetics: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities

Paloma Del C Monroig1, George A Calin

  • 1Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX 77030, USA.

Current Pathobiology Reports
|March 22, 2013
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that regulate genes and are altered in cancer. Modulating miRNA activity offers therapeutic potential and circulating miRNAs show promise as cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional gene regulators.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to cancer development and progression.
  • miRNAs influence cellular behavior and disease outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting miRNA activity in cancer.
  • To investigate the role of miRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers.
  • To assess the potential of circulating miRNAs in body fluids for cancer management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research on miRNA therapeutics and biomarkers.
  • Analysis of studies investigating miRNA delivery mechanisms in vivo.
  • Examination of circulating miRNA detection methods for cancer diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Modulating miRNA levels can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.
  • Circulating miRNAs in body fluids show potential as cancer biomarkers.
  • Delivery of miRNA-based therapies faces clinical challenges.

Conclusions:

  • miRNA-based therapies hold promise but require further development for clinical application.
  • Circulating miRNAs represent a valuable tool for non-invasive cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring.
  • Targeting miRNAs offers a novel approach to cancer treatment and management.
Keywords:
BiomarkersCancerDiagnosisEpigeneticsPathobiologyTherapymicroRNA

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