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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as A Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
Cancer-associated miRNAs and their therapeutic potential
Jun Inoue1, Johji Inazawa2,3
1Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan. jun.cgen@mri.tmd.ac.jp.
Abstract:
MicroRNA (miRNA; miR) is a functionally small non-coding RNA and can negatively regulate gene expression by directly binding to the target gene. Some miRNAs are closely involved in the development and progression of cancer and are abnormally expressed in many cancer types. Therefore, control of the expression of cancer-associated miRNAs is expected as a next-generation drug modality to treat advanced types of cancers with high unmet medical needs. Indeed, miRNA therapeutics, which are based on the functional inhibition of oncogenic miRNA (OncomiR) using antisense oligonucleotides (anti-miR) and the replacement via the introduction of a synthetic miRNA mimic for tumor suppressive miRNA (TS-miR), have been developed. In this review, we summarize cancer-associated miRNAs related to various cancer pathologies and their clinical application to miRNA therapeutics for cancer.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are implicated in cancer. miRNA therapeutics, targeting oncogenic or tumor-suppressive miRNAs, offer a promising new treatment for advanced cancers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to cancer development and progression.
- Targeting cancer-associated miRNAs presents a novel therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cancer-associated miRNAs and their roles in various cancer pathologies.
- To summarize the clinical applications of miRNA therapeutics for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cancer-associated miRNAs.
- Analysis of miRNA involvement in cancer development and progression.
- Examination of current miRNA therapeutic strategies, including anti-miRs and miRNA mimics.
Main Results:
- Identified specific miRNAs abnormally expressed in various cancers.
- Highlighted the potential of inhibiting oncogenic miRNAs (OncomiRs) and restoring tumor suppressive miRNAs (TS-miRs).
- Demonstrated the development of miRNA-based therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- miRNA-based therapeutics hold significant promise for treating advanced cancers.
- Targeting specific miRNAs offers a precise approach to cancer therapy.
- Further clinical applications of miRNA therapeutics are anticipated.
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