Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
Published on: April 6, 2012
Resistance to targeted therapies: a role for microRNAs?
Cristina Migliore1, Silvia Giordano
1IRCC, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment at Candiolo, University of Torino, School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy.
Abstract:
The discovery of oncogene addiction dramatically changed the therapeutic approach for cancer treatment, and many drugs targeting specific molecular alterations are now in clinics. Despite the big success of these new compounds, the main limit to their efficacy is represented by resistance to therapy. The alteration of the activity or of the expression of many proteins has already been linked to the onset of resistance, but recent evidence indicates a role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as well. In this context, the idea of exploiting miRNAs as predictors of response or resistance to cancer therapy represents an intriguing possibility. The purpose of this review is to address the relationship between miRNAs and targeted therapies response and resistance.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise in predicting cancer treatment response and resistance. Understanding miRNA roles can improve targeted cancer therapies and overcome drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Targeted cancer therapies, based on oncogene addiction, have revolutionized treatment.
- Therapeutic efficacy is often limited by the development of drug resistance.
- While protein alterations are known resistance mechanisms, microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key players.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and the response to targeted cancer therapies.
- To explore the role of miRNAs in mediating resistance to cancer treatments.
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs as predictive biomarkers for therapy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating miRNAs in cancer therapy response and resistance.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking miRNA dysregulation to drug resistance.
- Synthesis of current evidence on miRNA-based prediction of treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests specific miRNAs can predict patient response to targeted drugs.
- Altered miRNA expression is implicated in various resistance mechanisms.
- miRNAs can influence drug sensitivity through direct or indirect modulation of signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs represent a promising avenue for predicting and overcoming cancer therapy resistance.
- Further research into miRNA biomarkers could personalize cancer treatment strategies.
- Targeting miRNAs may offer novel therapeutic approaches to enhance drug efficacy.
More Related Videos
07:19Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells
Published on: September 28, 2011
09:06MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Experimental RNAi
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...