Molecular mechanisms of microRNAs in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transitions in human cancers

Jinlong Tang1, Yuan Li2, Jingyu Wang3

  • 1Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

Cancer Letters
|December 20, 2015
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) significantly influence cancer progression and chemoresistance by regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These molecules act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, impacting cancer metastasis, diagnosis, and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key driver of human cancer progression and chemoresistance.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of EMT-related molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of miRNAs in regulating the EMT process.
  • To explore the implications of miRNA-mediated EMT control in cancer development, metastasis, and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on miRNA involvement in EMT.
  • Analysis of miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional silencing of EMT-related genes.
  • Investigation of miRNA-gene feedback loops in cancer.

Main Results:

  • MiRNAs can either promote or inhibit EMT by targeting EMT-related molecules.
  • MiRNAs exhibit complex regulatory interactions, including negative feedback loops, with EMT pathways.
  • MiRNAs function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in the context of EMT.

Conclusions:

  • MiRNAs play pivotal roles in controlling cancer occurrence, development, invasion, and metastasis via EMT regulation.
  • Understanding miRNA-EMT interactions is crucial for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
  • MiRNAs offer potential as therapeutic targets for managing cancer progression and chemoresistance.

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