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Updated: Oct 19, 2025

Clinicopathological Analysis of miRNA Expression in Breast Cancer Tissues by Using miRNA In Situ Hybridization
Published on: June 7, 2016
circRNA-miRNA-mRNA in breast cancer
Meilan Zhang1, Xue Bai1, Xuemei Zeng1
1Cancer Research Institute of Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Key Laboratory of Cancer Cellular and Molecular Pathology in Hunan Province, Hunan, Hengyang 421001, China.
The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis, a network of competing endogenous RNAs, is crucial in breast cancer progression. This regulatory network shows promise as a biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosis, and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer incidence in women globally.
- Messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA) are key regulators in breast cancer development.
- The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, particularly the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis, is gaining attention for its role in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in breast cancer.
- To elucidate the mechanisms and functions of this axis in breast cancer occurrence, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance.
- To highlight the potential of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in breast cancer.
- Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions.
- Examination of the role of this axis in breast cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance.
Main Results:
- CircRNAs act as miRNA sponges, indirectly regulating mRNA expression through the ceRNA network.
- The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis significantly influences breast cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.
- Dysregulation of this axis is implicated in chemoresistance in breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis is a critical regulatory network in breast cancer.
- This axis holds significant potential for developing novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis.
- Targeting the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis offers promising therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment.
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