MicroRNAs in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Gastric cancer (GC) remains a significant global health concern, with high mortality rates in Central and South America.
• Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), a subset of GC, is linked to CDH1 gene mutations and exhibits distinct characteristics.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical post-transcriptional regulators involved in cellular processes, with altered expression implicated in various cancers, including GC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current research on the involvement of microRNAs in the regulation of genes associated with gastric cancer, particularly hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC).
• To explore the potential role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of HDGC, a condition not yet fully understood in terms of miRNA involvement.
• To highlight the regulatory interactions between microRNAs and genes such as CDH1, RHOA, CTNNA1, INSR, and TGF-β in different neoplasms.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies investigating microRNA expression and function in gastric cancer.
• Analysis of research focusing on the regulatory roles of microRNAs in genes implicated in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC).
• Examination of studies detailing microRNA-mediated regulation of CDH1, RHOA, CTNNA1, INSR, and TGF-β in various cancers.

Main Results:

• MicroRNA expression profiles differ significantly between cancerous and non-cancerous gastric tissues, and also between intestinal and diffuse types of GC.
• Specific microRNAs have been identified to regulate key genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle control.
• While the role of microRNAs in general GC is recognized, their specific function and regulatory impact in HDGC remain an area requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

• MicroRNAs play a significant role in the development and progression of gastric cancer by regulating critical genes.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific role of microRNAs in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) and their interactions with genes like CDH1.
• Understanding these microRNA-gene interactions could pave the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HDGC.