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Reversing epigenetic mechanisms of drug resistance in solid tumors using targeted microRNA delivery

Melissa Berman1, George Mattheolabakis1, Megha Suresh1

  • 1a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy , Northeastern University , Boston , MA , USA.

Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|April 21, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) offer a novel therapeutic strategy to reverse epigenetic changes that cause tumor drug resistance. Targeting miRNA delivery may resensitize resistant cancer cells to chemotherapy, enhancing treatment efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Tumor cells develop drug resistance through various mechanisms, often involving epigenetic alterations.
  • Epigenetic modifications impact gene expression, contributing to acquired resistance to cytotoxic drugs.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and are implicated in epigenetic control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of miRNAs in reversing epigenetic modifications that lead to tumor drug resistance.
  • To discuss the potential of miRNA-based therapeutics for overcoming chemoresistance in solid tumors.
  • To highlight specific miRNAs involved in regulating epigenetic machinery relevant to drug resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on epigenetic regulation and drug resistance in cancer.
  • Identification and discussion of specific miRNAs associated with epigenetic control.
  • Exploration of strategies for delivering miRNAs or antagomirs to target drug-resistant cells.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic changes are a significant factor in tumor drug resistance.
  • Specific miRNAs can modulate epigenetic machinery, influencing drug sensitivity.
  • miRNA delivery presents a potential strategy to resensitize resistant tumor cells.

Conclusions:

  • miRNA delivery offers a promising approach to reverse epigenetic drug resistance and enhance chemotherapy efficacy.
  • Targeted miRNA delivery could potentially lead to hyper-sensitization of tumor cells to cytotoxic drugs.
  • Further research is crucial to fully understand miRNA's role in epigenetic regulation for improved cancer therapy.
Keywords:
Cancer epigeneticschemotherapeuticdrug resistancemicroRNAnanoparticle

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