Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 6, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

Published on: October 7, 2025

512

MicroRNAs in Cancer: A Historical Perspective on the Path from Discovery to Therapy

Esteban A Orellana1,2, Andrea L Kasinski3

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, 1203 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.

Cancers
|July 31, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Recent microRNA (miRNA) discoveries have paved the way for clinical applications. This review highlights key historical findings and current challenges in advancing miRNA therapeutics for diseases like cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNA (miRNA) research has advanced significantly over the last 20 years.
  • These advancements are crucial for the development of miRNA therapeutics.
  • Understanding miRNA biology is key to their clinical translation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical discoveries that enabled miRNA therapeutics.
  • To highlight pivotal studies in miRNA identification and application.
  • To discuss the role of miRNA biology in therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of seminal studies in miRNA biology.
  • Analysis of historical progression from basic research to clinical translation.
  • Examination of key miRNA therapeutic candidates, such as miR-34a.

Main Results:

  • Key discoveries in miRNA biology have directly led to therapeutic potential.
  • miRNAs are emerging as valuable biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Basic research has provided a foundation for advancing specific miRNAs, like miR-34a, therapeutically.

Conclusions:

  • The transition of miRNAs to the clinic is built upon decades of biological discoveries.
  • Significant challenges remain, including delivery, toxicity, dosage, and off-target effects.
  • Addressing these challenges is essential to accelerate miRNA therapeutic development.
Keywords:
cancerhistorymicroRNAtherapeutics

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