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The Role and Function of microRNA in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma

Hiroshi Handa1, Yuki Murakami2, Rei Ishihara2

  • 1Department of Hematology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.

Cancers
|November 9, 2019
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in multiple myeloma (MM) by acting as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Understanding miRNA functions offers potential for novel MM therapies and prognostic markers.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Non-coding genomic regions, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer.
  • In multiple myeloma (MM), specific miRNAs are downregulated (e.g., miR-15a, miR-16) acting as tumor suppressors, while others are upregulated (e.g., miR-21, miR-221) acting as oncogenes.
  • miRNAs are involved in drug resistance and can serve as prognostic markers in MM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in multiple myeloma (MM).
  • To explore the potential of miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers in MM.
  • To discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting miRNAs in MM.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on microRNA (miRNA) research in multiple myeloma (MM).
  • Analysis of miRNA expression patterns and their correlation with disease progression and drug resistance.
  • Examination of epigenetic regulation of miRNAs and their interaction with epigenetic modifiers.

Main Results:

  • Downregulation of tumor-suppressive miRNAs (e.g., miR-15a, miR-16) and upregulation of oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs) are observed in MM.
  • miRNAs, including the miR-34 family, are linked to p53-mediated tumor suppression.
  • miRNA expression profiles in MM cells and serum exosomes show promise as prognostic indicators.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are integral to multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis, influencing tumor suppression, oncogenesis, and drug resistance.
  • miRNA expression patterns hold significant potential for predicting MM prognosis.
  • Modulating miRNA activity presents a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic strategies in MM.
Keywords:
biomarkerdrug resistanceepigeneticsexosomemicroRNAmultiple myeloma

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