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MicroRNA as an Important Target for Anticancer Drug Development
Zhiwen Fu1,2, Liu Wang1,2, Shijun Li1,2
1Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|September 13, 2021
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that regulate genes and are often abnormal in cancer. Targeting these microRNAs offers a promising new avenue for developing effective anticancer therapeutics with fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer is a leading global cause of death, with existing treatments facing challenges of side effects and limited efficacy.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, play crucial roles in gene regulation and are frequently dysregulated in cancer.
- Abnormal miRNA expression contributes to cancer hallmarks like uncontrolled proliferation and apoptosis evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest research on the role of miRNAs in anticancer therapeutics.
- To discuss the relationship between aberrant miRNAs and tumorigenesis.
- To critically evaluate the potential of miRNA-based therapies for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of recent publications on miRNA and cancer therapeutics.
- Analysis of miRNA's function as oncogenes (oncomiRs) or tumor suppressors in cancer development.
- Description of current strategies for designing miRNA-targeting therapeutics, including miRNA mimics and antagomirs.
Main Results:
- Dysregulated miRNAs are widely observed in cancer cells, impacting key cellular processes.
- Modulating specific miRNA alterations can restore normal gene regulatory networks and reverse cancer phenotypes.
- miRNAs represent a significant and attractive target for novel anticancer drug development.
Conclusions:
- miRNA-based therapeutics hold considerable promise for improving anticancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
- Current strategies focus on normalizing miRNA expression or function to combat cancer.
- Further research is needed to address challenges and fully realize the potential of miRNA-based cancer therapy.
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