Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2025
Repression of Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth In Vivo by Single-wall Carbon Nanotube SWCNT-delivered MALAT1 Antisense Oligos
Published on: December 13, 2018
Non-coding RNAs in Wilms' tumor: biological function, mechanism, and clinical implications
Bruna Maria de Sá Pereira1, Rafaela Montalvão de Azevedo1,2, João Victor da Silva Guerra3,4
1Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCa), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Abstract:
Non-coding RNAs are involved with maintenance and regulation of physiological mechanisms and are involved in pathological processes, such as cancer. Among the small ncRNAs, miRNAs are the most explored in tumorigenesis, metastasis development, and resistance to chemotherapy. These small molecules of ~ 22 nucleotides are modulated during early renal development, involved in the regulation of gene expression and Wilms' tumor progression. Wilms' tumors are embryonic tumors with few mutations and complex epigenetic dysregulation. In recent years, the small ncRNAs have been explored as potentially related both in physiological development and in the tumorigenesis of several types of cancer. Besides, genes regulated by miRNAs are related to biological pathways as PI3K, Wnt, TGF-β, and Hippo signaling pathways, among others, which may be involved with the underlying mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy, and in this way, it has emerged as potential targets for cancer therapies, including for Wilms' tumors.
Insights
Small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), are crucial in regulating gene expression and are implicated in Wilms' tumor development and chemotherapy resistance. These ncRNAs show promise as novel therapeutic targets for various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play vital roles in physiological regulation and are implicated in cancer development.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small ncRNAs, are extensively studied for their involvement in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance.
- Wilms' tumors, embryonic kidney cancers, exhibit complex epigenetic dysregulation and are influenced by developmental processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs (miRNAs), in Wilms' tumor progression.
- To investigate the connection between ncRNAs, gene expression regulation, and cancer development.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets within ncRNA pathways for Wilms' tumors and other cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing literature on ncRNAs, miRNAs, and Wilms' tumors.
- Examination of the regulatory functions of miRNAs in gene expression.
- Exploration of signaling pathways (PI3K, Wnt, TGF-β, Hippo) influenced by miRNAs in cancer.
Main Results:
- MiRNAs are modulated during renal development and influence Wilms' tumor progression.
- Genes regulated by miRNAs are involved in key signaling pathways critical to cancer.
- Dysregulation of ncRNAs is a feature of Wilms' tumors, suggesting their involvement in tumorigenesis.
Conclusions:
- Small ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs, are significant in Wilms' tumor pathogenesis and epigenetic alterations.
- MiRNA-regulated pathways are implicated in chemotherapy resistance, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
- ncRNAs represent promising targets for developing novel cancer therapies, including for Wilms' tumors.
Related Concept Videos
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
02:54Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway
01:41Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathways
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:22MicroRNAs