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MicroRNAs regulating SOX2 in cancer progression and therapy response

Sepideh Mirzaei1, Hamidreza Saebfar2, Mohammad Hossein Gholami3

  • 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.

Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
|September 29, 2021
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate SOX2 expression, impacting cancer growth, migration, and therapy response. This axis involves lncRNAs, circRNAs, and signaling pathways, offering potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and therapy response are controlled by complex signaling networks.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to mRNA 3'-UTRs.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to various cancers, exhibiting both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the modulatory impact of miRNAs on SOX2 in cancer.
  • To explore how the miRNA/SOX2 axis influences cancer growth, migration, and therapy response.
  • To identify upstream mediators and regulatory pathways of the miRNA/SOX2 axis in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating miRNA and SOX2 interactions in cancer.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways, including lncRNAs, circRNAs, NF-κB, and TNF-α, that regulate the miRNA/SOX2 axis.
  • Examination of the role of anti-cancer compounds in modulating the miRNA/SOX2 axis.

Main Results:

  • SOX2 overexpression is associated with cancer progression and stemness.
  • miRNAs modulate SOX2 activity, affecting critical cancer hallmarks like growth and migration.
  • lncRNAs, circRNAs, NF-κB, TNF-α, and SOX17 are key regulators of the miRNA/SOX2 axis.
  • Specific anti-cancer compounds, such as bufalin and ovatodiolide, can regulate this axis.

Conclusions:

  • The miRNA/SOX2 axis is a critical regulatory network in cancer.
  • Understanding this axis provides insights into cancer development and progression.
  • Targeting the miRNA/SOX2 axis holds promise for novel cancer therapeutic strategies and improved patient prognosis.
Keywords:
Anti-tumour compoundLncRNASOXbiological functioncancerchemotherapymicroRNAnon-coding RNAtranscription factor

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