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Updated: Sep 22, 2025

An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
09:45

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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Alkylating anticancer agents and their relations to microRNAs

Bernhard Biersack1

  • 1Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95440, Germany.

Cancer Drug Resistance (Alhambra, Calif.)
|May 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

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.
Keywords:
Alkylating agentsDNAanticancer agentsdrug resistancemicroRNA

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