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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
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An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
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Modulating microRNAs in cancer: next-generation therapies
Nahid Arghiani1,2, Khalid Shah1,2,3
1Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Cancer Biology & Medicine
|November 30, 2021
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key gene regulators implicated in cancer. Improving miRNA delivery and reducing toxicity are crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression.
- Dysregulation of miRNAs is frequently observed in cancer, contributing to tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance.
- miRNA modulation presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment due to its broad impact on cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and significance of miRNAs in cancer.
- To discuss current delivery vehicles for miRNA modulation.
- To summarize challenges and prospects for clinical translation of miRNA-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNA function in cancer.
- Analysis of existing delivery systems for miRNA therapeutics.
- Synthesis of information on clinical translation hurdles and future directions.
Main Results:
- miRNAs play a critical role in various stages of cancer development and progression.
- Effective delivery of miRNAs to cancer sites and overcoming degradation are significant challenges.
- Various delivery vehicles show promise for *in vitro* and *in vivo* miRNA modulation.
Conclusions:
- miRNA-based therapies hold significant potential for cancer treatment.
- Addressing delivery, stability, and off-target effects is essential for clinical success.
- Further research and development of delivery systems are needed to translate miRNA therapeutics into clinical practice.
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