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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.
Journal of Molecular Medicine (Berlin, Germany)
|May 5, 2021
Summary
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.
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