[Expression of MicroRNA-148/152 Family in the Hematological Malignancies]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules containing 18-22 nucleotides that regulate gene expression through imperfect interactions with sequences in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target genes. Members of the microRNA-148/152 (miR-148/152) family, which include microRNA-148a (miR-148a), microRNA-148b (miR-148b) and microRNA-152 (miR-152), are of great importance in the development of some tumor diseases. Several studies have demonstrated that members of the miR-148/152 family were expressed differently in many kinds of malignancies, and they play a variety of biological functions, such as regulating tumor growth, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and sensitivity to drugs through regulating the expression of target genes. The miR-148/152 family is regulated by methylation of their CPG islands, which reduce the expression of miR-148/152 family members. Interaction has been observed between DNA methylation and miR-148/152 family members through their target gene: DNMT1/3b, an important gene for DNA methylation. So expressions of DNMT1/3b are inversely restricted to the expression level of miR-148a/152. This might result in overexpression of DNMT1/3b, promoting DNA methylation. And then, more DNMT1/3b can be expressed. A novel miR-148a/152-DNMT1/3b regulatory circuit might exist in tumors. Epigenetic abnormalities, especially high methylation of promoter play an important role in occurrence and development of hematological malignancies. Demethylation treatment has become another important way for the treatment. This article summarizes the expression of miR-148/152 family in hematological malignancies, aiming at expounding the signicance of relationship between DNA methylation modification and microRNA.