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Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
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Role of microRNA-33a in malignant cells

Chang Gao1,2, Jiaen Wei1,2, Tingting Tang1,2

  • 1Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China.

Oncology Letters
|August 13, 2020
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate genes involved in cell processes. This review details miR-33a's role in over a dozen cancers, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer prevention and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cancer is a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression in crucial cellular processes.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to various diseases, including cancer, with miRNAs classified as oncogenic or tumor suppressive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of miR-33a in diverse cancer types.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-33a's involvement in carcinogenesis.
  • To provide a comprehensive guide for researchers on miR-33a's function in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating miR-33a in cancer.
  • Analysis of miR-33a's regulatory functions in cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, metastasis, and apoptosis.
  • Examination of miR-33a's connection to cholesterol metabolism and its implications in carcinogenesis.

Main Results:

  • miR-33a plays significant roles in over a dozen types of cancer.
  • The expression patterns and functions of miR-33a can be either oncogenic or tumor suppressive depending on the cancer context.
  • miR-33a influences cellular cholesterol uptake and synthesis, processes closely tied to cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • miR-33a is a critical regulator implicated in various cancers.
  • Understanding miR-33a's mechanisms offers potential for novel cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
  • This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers exploring miR-33a in oncology.
Keywords:
biomarkerscarcinogenesismicroRNAsoncogenestumor suppressors

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