Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2025
09:45
An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
8.5K
Alkylating anticancer agents and their relations to microRNAs.
1Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95440, Germany.
Cancer Drug Resistance (Alhambra, Calif.)
|May 18, 2022
Summary
Alkylating agents are crucial anticancer drugs, but tumor resistance is a major clinical challenge. This review explores how microRNAs influence alkylating drug effectiveness and resistance in cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alkylating agents are a vital class of anticancer therapeutics.
- Tumor resistance to alkylating agents presents a significant clinical obstacle.
- Understanding drug mechanisms is key to overcoming resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of non-coding microRNAs in alkylating drug activity.
- To explore the involvement of microRNAs in cancer resistance to alkylating agents.
- To discuss the interplay between microRNAs and both synthetic and natural alkylating agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Analysis of studies on microRNA involvement in cancer drug resistance.
- Synthesis of information on approved alkylating agents and their interaction with microRNAs.
Main Results:
- Non-coding microRNAs play a significant role in modulating the efficacy of alkylating anticancer drugs.
- MicroRNA expression patterns are linked to the development of resistance to alkylating agents in various cancers.
- Specific microRNAs can either enhance or diminish the therapeutic effects of alkylating agents.
Conclusions:
- Targeting microRNA pathways presents a promising strategy to overcome alkylating agent resistance.
- Further research into the microRNA-alkylating agent axis could lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
- A comprehensive understanding of microRNA-mediated mechanisms is essential for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
3.1K
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.1K
01:10Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
2.1K
Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
2.1K
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
2.1K
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.1K
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
9.0K
In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
9.0K
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
7.8K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.8K
01:06Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
4.4K
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic...
Somatic...
4.4K