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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
MicroRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Keiko Mizuno1, Hiroko Mataki1, Naohiko Seki2
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
Abstract:
In spite of advances in the diagnosis and current molecular target therapies of lung cancer, this disease remains the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Approximately 80% of lung cancers is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and 5-year survival rate of the disease is ~20%. On the other hand, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology. IPF is refractory to treatment and has a very low survival rate. Moreover, IPF is frequently associated with lung cancer. However, the common mechanisms shared by these two diseases remain poorly understood. In the post-genome sequence era, the discovery of noncoding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), has had a major impact on most biomedical fields, and these small molecules have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of NSCLC and IPF. Investigation of novel RNA networks mediated by miRNAs has improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of these diseases. This review summarizes our current knowledge on aberrantly expressed miRNAs regulating NSCLC and IPF based on miRNA expression signatures.
Insights
Noncoding RNAs, specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), are implicated in the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Understanding these miRNA networks is crucial for uncovering shared disease mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is a leading cause of cancer death globally, with low survival rates.
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease with poor prognosis and unknown causes, often co-occurring with lung cancer.
- The shared molecular mechanisms underlying NSCLC and IPF remain largely unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in NSCLC and IPF.
- To explore the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of these two diseases.
- To summarize miRNA expression signatures and their regulatory networks in NSCLC and IPF.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating miRNA expression in NSCLC and IPF.
- Analysis of miRNA expression signatures related to both diseases.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on miRNA-mediated molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (noncoding RNAs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both NSCLC and IPF.
- Aberrant miRNA expression patterns are observed in both conditions, suggesting common regulatory pathways.
- miRNA networks are increasingly recognized as key contributors to the molecular mechanisms of these lung diseases.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are critical regulators involved in the development and progression of both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
- Investigating miRNA expression signatures and networks offers valuable insights into the shared pathogenesis of these diseases.
- Further research into miRNA-mediated pathways holds potential for improved understanding and therapeutic strategies for NSCLC and IPF.
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