OncomicroRNAs-Mediated Tumorigenesis: Implication in Cancer Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Oncology

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate ~60% of protein-coding genes, influencing cell metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
• Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to various diseases, particularly cancer, affecting tumor initiation, progression, and patient prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the identification and verification of tumor-specific oncogenic miRNA signatures.
• To dynamically study the role of oncogenic miRNAs in cancer initiation and development.
• To review progress and remaining challenges in miRNA-mediated anti-cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on tumor-specific miRNAs.
• Analysis of oncogenic miRNA signatures and their verification.
• Examination of miRNA roles in cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• miRNAs are key players in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cell genesis, metabolism, and carcinogenesis.
• Oncogenic miRNAs serve as diagnostic biomarkers and targets for anti-cancer drug discovery.
• Despite progress, challenges in miRNA-based therapy include drug stability, immunogenicity, off-target effects, and toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Understanding miRNA mechanisms in tumorigenesis is crucial for advancing cancer research.
• Further investigation into miRNAs may yield new insights into carcinogenesis.
• Targeted cancer therapy utilizing miRNAs holds promise but requires overcoming existing barriers.