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Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
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MiR-138: A promising therapeutic target for cancer

Huan-Huan Sha1, Dan-Dan Wang2, Dan Chen3

  • 11 Department of Chemotherapy, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

Tumour Biology : the Journal of the International Society for Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine
|April 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression. MiR-138 functions as a tumor suppressor in human cancers by inhibiting proliferation and metastasis, and may enhance chemotherapy efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • Aberrant expression of miRNAs is implicated in human cancers.
  • MiR-138, derived from two primary transcripts, is frequently dysregulated in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulatory mechanisms and biological roles of miR-138 in cancer.
  • To explore the potential of miR-138 as a tumor suppressor.
  • To establish a molecular basis for future clinical applications of miR-138.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on miR-138 expression and function in cancer.
  • Analysis of miR-138's role in tumor proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration.
  • Investigation of miR-138's impact on chemotherapy sensitivity.

Main Results:

  • MiR-138 acts as a tumor suppressor by targeting multiple genes involved in cancer progression.
  • MiR-138 expression is altered in various human cancers.
  • Evidence suggests miR-138 can sensitize tumors to chemotherapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

  • MiR-138 plays a significant role in suppressing tumor development and progression.
  • Understanding miR-138's regulatory network is crucial for cancer therapy.
  • MiR-138 holds promise for future clinical applications in oncology.
Keywords:
MicroRNAbiological processescancersmicroRNA-138

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