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Classical and noncanonical functions of miRNAs in cancers

Mihnea P Dragomir1, Erik Knutsen2, George A Calin3

  • 1Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.

Trends in Genetics : TIG
|November 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in cancer development. This review explores novel miRNA functions beyond traditional gene silencing, highlighting their roles in various cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNA (miRNA) expression alterations are key drivers in human cancer initiation and progression.
  • Differential miRNA expression in malignancy stems from genomic locations, epigenetic factors, and transcriptional dysregulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of miRNAs in cancer.
  • To focus on lesser-studied, non-canonical miRNA regulatory mechanisms in oncogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on miRNA expression and function in cancer.
  • Analysis of established and novel miRNA regulatory pathways.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNAs regulate gene expression through classical post-transcriptional repression.
  • Emerging evidence reveals non-canonical miRNA functions implicated in cancer development.
  • These novel mechanisms include roles beyond direct target repression.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs play complex roles in cancer, involving both canonical and non-canonical regulatory functions.
  • Understanding these diverse mechanisms is vital for cancer research and therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
cancergermline and somatic mutationsmiRNAmiRNA mimicrynon-canonical functionspri- and pre-miRNA regulation

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