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New Insight into microRNA Functions in Cancer: Oncogene-microRNA-Tumor Suppressor Gene Network

Kecheng Zhou1,2, Minxia Liu1,2, Yi Cao1

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular and Experimental Pathology, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, China.

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
|July 25, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cancer development involves complex interactions between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). A novel oncogene-microRNA (miRNA)-TSG network highlights how miRNAs mediate regulatory relationships, offering new insights into cancer tumorigenesis and potential therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Tumorigenesis is a complex, multi-step process driven by genetic and epigenetic deregulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs).
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer by regulating oncogenes and TSGs, and are themselves regulated by these genes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose and explore the concept of an oncogene-miRNA-TSG network in cancer.
  • To emphasize the regulatory roles of miRNAs within a broader network context during tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual framework development.
  • Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge on oncogenes, TSGs, and miRNAs in cancer.

Main Results:

  • The proposed oncogene-miRNA-TSG network reveals functional synergy and regulatory interdependencies between oncogenes and TSGs, mediated by miRNAs.
  • Anomalies in this network are hypothesized to be common in various cancer types and contribute to tumorigenesis.

Conclusions:

  • The oncogene-miRNA-TSG network provides a new perspective on the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis.
  • This network-based understanding may offer novel avenues for cancer prediction, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
cancermiRNA functiononcogenesoncogene–microRNA–tumor suppressor gene networktumor suppressor genes

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