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An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
Research Progress in microRNA-Based Therapy for Gastric Cancer
Xu Zhao1, Gao-Feng Hu2,3, Yan-Fen Shi4
1Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of tumor-related mortality. In addition to surgery and endoscopic resection, systemic therapy remains the main treatment option for GC, especially for advanced-stage disease and for cases not suitable for surgical therapy. Hence, improving the efficacy of systemic therapy is still an urgent problem to overcome. In the past decade, the essential roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumor treatment have been increasingly recognized. In particular, miRNAs were recently shown to reverse the resistance to chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and doxorubicin. Synthesized nanoparticles loaded with mimics or inhibitors of miRNAs can directly target tumor cells to suppress their growth. Moreover, exosomes may serve as promising safe carriers for mimics or inhibitors of miRNAs to treat GC. Some miRNAs have also been shown to play roles in the mechanism of action of other anti-tumor drugs. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the research progress on microRNA-based therapy in GC and discuss the challenges and prospects associated with this strategy. We believe that microRNA-based therapy has the potential to offer a clinical benefit to GC patients, and this review would contribute to and motivate further research to promote this field toward this ultimate goal.
Insights
MicroRNA (miRNA)-based therapy shows promise for treating gastric cancer (GC) by overcoming drug resistance and targeting tumor cells. This approach utilizes miRNA mimics or inhibitors delivered via nanoparticles or exosomes for improved efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Gastric cancer (GC) is a major cause of cancer mortality, with systemic therapy being crucial for advanced stages.
- Improving the efficacy of systemic therapy for GC remains a significant clinical challenge.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in cancer, influencing tumor progression and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research progress on microRNA-based therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs in overcoming chemoresistance and targeting GC cells.
- To explore the challenges and future prospects of miRNA-based therapy in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on miRNA-based therapies for gastric cancer.
- Analysis of studies involving miRNA mimics and inhibitors delivered via nanoparticles and exosomes.
- Examination of the role of miRNAs in the mechanism of action of anti-cancer drugs.
Main Results:
- miRNAs can reverse resistance to chemotherapy drugs like 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and doxorubicin in GC.
- Nanoparticle and exosome delivery systems show potential for targeted delivery of miRNA therapeutics.
- Specific miRNAs are implicated in the efficacy of other anti-tumor agents used in GC treatment.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNA-based therapy holds significant potential for improving clinical outcomes in gastric cancer patients.
- Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges and translate these findings into effective treatments.
- This review highlights the promising future of miRNA-based approaches in advancing gastric cancer care.
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