Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy
Published on: October 4, 2019
MiRNAs and Cancer: Key Link in Diagnosis and Therapy
Yu Shi1,2, Zihao Liu1,2, Qun Lin1,2
1Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China.
Abstract:
Since the discovery of the first microRNA (miRNA), the exploration of miRNA biology has come to a new era in recent decades. Monumental studies have proven that miRNAs can be dysregulated in different types of cancers and the roles of miRNAs turn out to function to either tumor promoters or tumor suppressors. The interplay between miRNAs and the development of cancers has grabbed attention of miRNAs as novel tools and targets for therapeutic attempts. Moreover, the development of miRNA delivery system accelerates miRNA preclinical implications. In this review, we depict recent advances of miRNAs in cancer and discuss the potential diagnostic or therapeutic approaches of miRNAs.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in cancer, acting as tumor promoters or suppressors. Advances in miRNA delivery systems are paving the way for new cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in biological processes.
- Dysregulation of miRNAs is implicated in the development and progression of various cancers.
- miRNAs can function as either tumor promoters or tumor suppressors, highlighting their complex roles in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding microRNA biology in the context of cancer.
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for cancer treatment.
- To explore the role of miRNA delivery systems in preclinical cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on miRNAs in cancer.
- Analysis of the dual role of miRNAs as tumor promoters and suppressors.
- Examination of current miRNA delivery systems and their preclinical applications.
Main Results:
- miRNA dysregulation is a common hallmark of cancer.
- miRNAs show significant potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.
- Targeted delivery of miRNAs offers promising therapeutic strategies for various cancers.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs represent a significant area of research in oncology.
- Further development of miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics is warranted.
- Advancements in delivery systems are crucial for realizing the clinical potential of miRNAs in cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Abnormal Proliferation
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

