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Published on: June 26, 2020
MicroRNAs in the DNA Damage/Repair Network and Cancer
Alessandra Tessitore1, Germana Cicciarelli1, Filippo Del Vecchio1
1Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
Abstract:
Cancer is a multistep process characterized by various and different genetic lesions which cause the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells. To preserve the genomic integrity, eukaryotic cells need a complex DNA damage/repair response network of signaling pathways, involving many proteins, able to induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or DNA repair. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are the most commonly used therapeutic approaches to manage cancer and act mainly through the induction of DNA damage. Impairment in the DNA repair proteins, which physiologically protect cells from persistent DNA injury, can affect the efficacy of cancer therapies. Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that microRNAs take actively part in the regulation of the DNA damage/repair network. MicroRNAs are endogenous short noncoding molecules able to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Due to their activity, microRNAs play a role in many fundamental physiological and pathological processes. In this review we report and discuss the role of microRNAs in the DNA damage/repair and cancer.
Insights
MicroRNAs regulate the DNA damage/repair network, impacting cancer development and treatment. Understanding microRNA roles in DNA repair is crucial for improving cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer involves genetic mutations and requires DNA repair mechanisms for genomic integrity.
- Chemotherapies induce DNA damage, but impaired DNA repair can reduce treatment efficacy.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging regulators of DNA damage and repair pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microRNAs in the DNA damage/repair network.
- To discuss the implications of microRNAs in cancer biology and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microRNAs, DNA damage/repair, and cancer.
- Synthesis of current evidence on microRNA-mediated regulation of DNA repair pathways.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs are involved in regulating key proteins of the DNA damage/repair network.
- Dysregulation of microRNAs can influence cancer cell response to DNA damaging agents.
- MicroRNAs can impact the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a significant role in both DNA repair processes and cancer.
- Targeting microRNAs presents a potential strategy for novel cancer treatments.
- Further research into microRNA-DNA repair interactions is warranted for therapeutic advancements.
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