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Deciphering the role of microRNA 21 in cancer stem cells (CSCs)

Durairaj Sekar1,2, Ramalingam Krishnan1, Mani Panagal3

  • 1Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Chinthareddypalem, Nellore 524002, India.

Genes & Diseases
|September 28, 2018
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in cancer. This review highlights the role of miR-21 in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • Cancer mortality remains high despite treatment advances, with initiation and development mechanisms still unclear.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs (21-25 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression by targeting mRNA translation or degradation.
  • Overexpression of miR-21 in cancer stem cells (CSCs) suggests a significant role in cancer biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of miR-21 in various cancer stem cells (CSCs).
  • To explore miR-21 as a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting cancer progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on miR-21 and cancer stem cells.
  • Analysis of the functional impact of miR-21 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion within CSCs.

Main Results:

  • miR-21 is frequently overexpressed in cancer stem cells.
  • miR-21 influences critical CSC functions including proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion.

Conclusions:

  • miR-21 plays a vital role in cancer stem cell biology.
  • Targeting miR-21 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and progression control.
Keywords:
CSCsCancer stem cellsRNAsUTRmiR-21miRNAs

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