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MicroRNAs and Uveal Melanoma: Understanding the Diverse Role of These Small Molecular Regulators
Karen Aughton1, Helen Kalirai1,2, Sarah E Coupland1,2
1Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK.
Abstract:
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare tumour of the eye, characterised by a high propensity to metastasise in half of all patients, most frequently to the liver. Although there are effective treatment options for the primary tumour, once metastasis has occurred prognosis is poor, with overall survival limited to months. Currently, there are no effective treatments for metastatic UM, despite the tumour having a well-defined signalling pathway to which many therapies have been directed. In an effort to develop novel treatment approaches, understanding the role of other signalling molecules, such as microRNAs, is fundamental. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules involved in posttranscriptional gene regulation, resulting in reduced target gene expression and subsequent protein translation. In UM, several dysregulated miRNAs have been proposed to play a functional role in disease progression, whereas others have been put forward as clinical biomarkers of high-risk disease following isolation from blood, plasma and exosomes. Most recently, analyses of large datasets have identified promising prognostic miRNA signatures and panels. This review navigates the plethora of aberrant miRNAs disclosed so far in UM, and maps these to signalling pathways, which could be targeted in future therapies for the disseminated disease.
Insights
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare eye cancer that often spreads. This review explores microRNAs (miRNAs) in UM, identifying potential new therapeutic targets for metastatic disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare eye cancer with a high metastasis rate, particularly to the liver.
- Metastatic UM has a poor prognosis with limited survival, and current treatments are ineffective.
- Understanding novel signaling molecules like microRNAs (miRNAs) is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs) identified in uveal melanoma (UM).
- To map these dysregulated miRNAs to signaling pathways for potential therapeutic targeting.
- To highlight the role of miRNAs as potential biomarkers for high-risk UM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microRNAs in uveal melanoma.
- Analysis of dysregulated miRNAs and their association with signaling pathways.
- Examination of miRNA roles in disease progression and as potential biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are dysregulated in UM, influencing disease progression.
- Specific miRNAs show potential as clinical biomarkers for high-risk UM when detected in blood or plasma.
- Large dataset analyses reveal promising prognostic miRNA signatures and panels.
Conclusions:
- Aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs) represent promising therapeutic targets for metastatic uveal melanoma (UM).
- Further research into miRNA-mediated signaling pathways could lead to novel treatment approaches.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) hold potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for UM.
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