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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
MicroRNA dysregulation interplay with childhood abdominal tumors
Karina Bezerra Salomão1, Julia Alejandra Pezuk2, Graziella Ribeiro de Souza1
1Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Rudge Ramos, 1501 - Jardim Abc, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, 09639-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
Abdominal tumors (AT) in children account for approximately 17% of all pediatric solid tumor cases, and frequently exhibit embryonal histological features that differentiate them from adult cancers. Current molecular approaches have greatly improved the understanding of the distinctive pathology of each tumor type and enabled the characterization of novel tumor biomarkers. As seen in abdominal adult tumors, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been increasingly implicated in either the initiation or progression of childhood cancer. Moreover, besides predicting patient prognosis, they represent valuable diagnostic tools that may also assist the surveillance of tumor behavior and treatment response, as well as the identification of the primary metastatic sites. Thus, the present study was undertaken to compile up-to-date information regarding the role of dysregulated miRNAs in the most common histological variants of AT, including neuroblastoma, nephroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, hepatocarcinoma, and adrenal tumors. Additionally, the clinical implications of dysregulated miRNAs as potential diagnostic tools or indicators of prognosis were evaluated.
Insights
Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in childhood abdominal tumors (AT), impacting diagnosis and prognosis. This review details their role in common pediatric AT subtypes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Abdominal tumors (AT) represent 17% of pediatric solid tumors, often with embryonal features.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized in adult and pediatric cancer initiation and progression.
- Understanding tumor-specific molecular pathology is vital for improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of dysregulated miRNAs in common pediatric abdominal tumors.
- To evaluate the clinical implications of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic tools.
- To consolidate current knowledge on miRNAs in neuroblastoma, nephroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, hepatocarcinoma, and adrenal tumors.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on microRNAs and pediatric abdominal tumors.
- Analysis of molecular data and clinical outcomes related to miRNA expression.
- Synthesis of information on miRNA dysregulation in specific histological variants of AT.
Main Results:
- Dysregulated miRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of major pediatric abdominal tumors.
- Specific miRNAs show potential as diagnostic biomarkers for AT subtypes.
- miRNA profiles correlate with patient prognosis and treatment response in pediatric AT.
- miRNAs may aid in identifying primary metastatic sites in abdominal cancers.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulated miRNAs are significant players in pediatric abdominal tumor development and progression.
- miRNAs offer promising avenues for novel diagnostic and prognostic strategies in pediatric oncology.
- Further research into miRNA-based therapeutics for AT is warranted.
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