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Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
The miRNA network: micro-regulator of cell signaling in cancer
Qian Mei1, Xiang Li, Mingzhou Guo
1Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
Abstract:
The dysregulation of cell signaling plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and progression. miRNAs have been linked to almost all known aspects of physiological and pathological processes. It is well known that the miRNA network is linked at several and unexpected levels with cancer-related signaling pathways. Our understanding of the roles and regulation of the miRNA network has been extended to include classical cell signaling, termed miRNA network complements cell signaling in cancer. As a transcription factor, tumor suppressor p53 plays a central role in tumor prevention. Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs may regulate the expression of the p53 pathway or be regulated by the p53 pathway. These findings added a new and challenging layer of complexity to the p53 pathway and prompted us to contemplate the use of the compensatory mechanisms in therapeutics against cancer. In this review, we have therefore summarized the p53 tumor suppressive pathway as a typical paradigm to elucidate the advances of the compensatory mechanisms. We then go on to critically discuss how the compensatory mechanisms can be used to enable better cancer diagnosis and prognosis and to serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) interact with cell signaling pathways, including the p53 pathway, offering new cancer therapeutic strategies. Understanding these compensatory mechanisms can improve cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cell signaling dysregulation is crucial in cancer development.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in physiological and pathological processes, including cancer.
- The p53 pathway, a critical tumor suppressor, is intricately linked with miRNA networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interplay between miRNAs and cell signaling in cancer.
- To elucidate the role of the p53 pathway and its regulation by miRNAs.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of miRNA-mediated compensatory mechanisms in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on miRNA networks and cell signaling in cancer.
- Analysis of studies detailing miRNA regulation of the p53 pathway and vice versa.
- Critical discussion of compensatory mechanisms for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- miRNA networks extensively interact with cancer-related signaling pathways.
- miRNAs can both regulate and be regulated by the p53 tumor suppressor pathway.
- These complex interactions present novel avenues for cancer therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- The integration of miRNA networks with cell signaling, particularly the p53 pathway, offers a new layer of complexity in cancer.
- Compensatory mechanisms within these networks hold promise for improved cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
- Targeting these miRNA-p53 interactions represents a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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