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Published on: March 30, 2019
MiR-7 in Cancer Development
Petra Korać1, Mariastefania Antica2, Maja Matulić1
1Department of Biology, Division of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA involved in the regulation of specific mRNA translation. They participate in cellular signaling circuits and can act as oncogenes in tumor development, so-called oncomirs, as well as tumor suppressors. miR-7 is an ancient miRNA involved in the fine-tuning of several signaling pathways, acting mainly as tumor suppressor. Through downregulation of PI3K and MAPK pathways, its dominant role is the suppression of proliferation and survival, stimulation of apoptosis and inhibition of migration. Besides these functions, it has numerous additional roles in the differentiation process of different cell types, protection from stress and chromatin remodulation. One of the most investigated tissues is the brain, where its downregulation is linked with glioblastoma cell proliferation. Its deregulation is found also in other tumor types, such as in liver, lung and pancreas. In some types of lung and oral carcinoma, it can act as oncomir. miR-7 roles in cell fate determination and maintenance of cell homeostasis are still to be discovered, as well as the possibilities of its use as a specific biotherapeutic.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), like miR-7, regulate cell processes and can suppress tumors. This study explores miR-7
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, influencing cellular signaling pathways.
- Some miRNAs, termed oncomirs, promote cancer, while others act as tumor suppressors.
- miR-7 is an ancient miRNA primarily functioning as a tumor suppressor, impacting pathways like PI3K and MAPK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of miR-7 in cellular processes and its implications in various cancers.
- To investigate miR-7's function as a tumor suppressor by downregulating proliferation, survival, and migration, while promoting apoptosis.
- To explore miR-7's potential as a biotherapeutic agent.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on miRNA function and cancer biology.
- Analysis of miR-7's involvement in PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways.
- Examination of miR-7 deregulation in various tumor types, including brain, liver, lung, and pancreas.
Main Results:
- miR-7 suppresses tumor development by inhibiting cell proliferation and survival, and stimulating apoptosis.
- Downregulation of miR-7 is linked to glioblastoma cell proliferation and is observed in other cancers.
- miR-7 can act as an oncomir in specific lung and oral carcinomas.
Conclusions:
- miR-7 is a critical tumor suppressor miRNA with diverse roles in cell signaling, differentiation, and homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of miR-7 contributes to tumorigenesis across multiple cancer types.
- Further research into miR-7's functions may unlock its potential for cancer biotherapeutics.
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