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Published on: October 7, 2025
Dietary microRNAs and cancer: A new therapeutic approach?
Alberto Dávalos1, Lucía Pinilla2, María-Carmen López de Las Hazas1
1Laboratory of Epigenetics of Lipid Metabolism, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA)-Food, CEI UAM + CSIC, Crta. de, Carr. de Canto Blanco, nº8, E, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death and constitutes a challenge for both low- and high-income societies. Previous evidence supports a close association between modifiable risk factors, including dietary habits, and cancer risk. Investigation of molecular mechanisms that mediate the pro-oncogenic and anti-oncogenic effects of diet is therefore fundamental. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have received much attention in the past few decades as crucial molecular elements of human physiology and disease. Aberrant expression patterns of these small noncoding transcripts have been observed in a wide array of cancers. Interestingly, human miRNAs not only can be modulated by bioactive dietary components, but it has also been proposed that diet-derived miRNAs may contribute to the pool of human miRNAs. Results from independent groups have suggested that these exogenous miRNAs may be functional in organisms. These findings open the door to novel and innovative approaches to cancer therapy. Here, we provide an overview of the biology of miRNAs, with a special focus on plant-derived dietary miRNAs, summarize recent findings in the field of cancer, address the possible applications to clinical practice and discuss obstacles and challenges in the field.
Insights
Dietary habits influence cancer risk. Plant-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) from food may be functional in the human body, offering novel cancer therapy strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer is a major cause of mortality, with diet as a key modifiable risk factor.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs with critical roles in human health and disease, including cancer.
- Dietary components can modulate miRNA expression, and exogenous miRNAs from food may be functional in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biology of microRNAs (miRNAs), focusing on plant-derived dietary miRNAs.
- To summarize current research on the role of dietary miRNAs in cancer.
- To explore potential clinical applications and challenges of dietary miRNAs in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of miRNA biology and function.
- Analysis of studies investigating dietary miRNAs and cancer.
- Discussion of current research findings and future directions.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in various cancers.
- Dietary components, including plant-derived miRNAs, can influence human miRNA profiles.
- Exogenous dietary miRNAs may possess biological activity in humans, with potential anti-cancer effects.
Conclusions:
- Plant-derived dietary microRNAs (miRNAs) represent a promising area for cancer research and therapy.
- Further investigation is needed to understand the functionality and clinical application of dietary miRNAs.
- Overcoming current challenges is crucial for translating these findings into effective cancer treatments.
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