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Published on: August 23, 2024
MicroRNAs as a clue to overcome breast cancer treatment resistance
Iris Garrido-Cano1, Birlipta Pattanayak1, Anna Adam-Artigues1
1INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women worldwide. Despite the improvement in diagnosis and treatments, the rates of cancer relapse and resistance to therapies remain higher than desirable. Alterations in microRNAs have been linked to changes in critical processes related to cancer development and progression. Their involvement in resistance or sensitivity to breast cancer treatments has been documented by different in vivo and in vitro experiments. The most significant microRNAs implicated in modulating resistance to breast cancer therapies are summarized in this review. Resistance to therapy has been linked to cellular processes such as cell cycle, apoptosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, stemness phenotype, or receptor signaling pathways, and the role of microRNAs in their regulation has already been described. The modulation of specific microRNAs may modify treatment response and improve survival rates and cancer patients' quality of life. As a result, a greater understanding of microRNAs, their targets, and the signaling pathways through which they act is needed. This information could be useful to design new therapeutic strategies, to reduce resistance to the available treatments, and to open the door to possible new clinical approaches.
Insights
MicroRNAs play a key role in breast cancer treatment resistance. Understanding these microRNAs and their targets can lead to new therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women globally.
- Despite advances, therapeutic resistance and relapse remain significant challenges.
- MicroRNA alterations are implicated in cancer development and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant microRNAs involved in modulating resistance to breast cancer therapies.
- To highlight the role of microRNAs in cellular processes linked to therapy resistance.
- To emphasize the need for further understanding of microRNAs for novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vivo and in vitro studies.
- Summary of microRNAs implicated in resistance pathways.
- Analysis of microRNA involvement in cell cycle, apoptosis, and stemness.
Main Results:
- Specific microRNAs are crucial in regulating resistance to breast cancer treatments.
- MicroRNAs influence key cellular processes like apoptosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
- Alterations in microRNAs are linked to therapy resistance and cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- Targeting specific microRNAs may enhance treatment efficacy and patient survival.
- A deeper understanding of microRNA mechanisms is essential for developing new clinical approaches.
- Further research into microRNAs, their targets, and pathways can reduce treatment resistance.
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