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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
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Emerging role of microRNA-21 in cancer

Yin-Hsun Feng1, Chao-Jung Tsao2

  • 1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan, R.O.C.; Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Life Science, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan 71703, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Biomedical Reports
|October 5, 2016
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRs), specifically miR-21, are key regulators in cancer development. This review explores miR-21

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • miR-21 is identified as an 'oncomiR', promoting cancer by targeting tumor suppressor genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion.
  • Extensive research has investigated miR-21's role in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the significance of miR-21 in both hematological and non-hematological malignancies.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and prognostic potential of miR-21.
  • To discuss the role of miR-21 in drug resistance and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies focusing on miR-21.
  • Analysis of research investigating miR-21's function in cancer cell biology.
  • Synthesis of data regarding miR-21's clinical relevance.

Main Results:

  • miR-21 plays a crucial role in the development and progression of various cancers.
  • miR-21 demonstrates significant potential as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
  • miR-21 is implicated in acquired resistance to cancer therapies.

Conclusions:

  • miR-21 is a critical factor in human malignancies, influencing carcinogenesis and therapeutic responses.
  • Targeting miR-21 offers a promising strategy for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
  • Further research into miR-21's functions may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic applications in oncology.
Keywords:
carcinogenesishematological malignancymicroRNA-21

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