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Updated: Aug 31, 2025
Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
Panoramic view of microRNAs in regulating cancer stem cells
Yongzhi Zhao1,2,3, Danduo Wei1,2,3, Yitong Zhang1,2,3
1The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
Abstract:
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subgroup of tumor cells, possessing the abilities of self-renewal and generation of heterogeneous tumor cell lineages. They are believed to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, as well as chemoresistance in human malignancies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play essential roles in various cellular activities including CSC initiation and CSC-related properties. Mature miRNAs with ∼22 nucleotides in length are generated from primary miRNAs via its precursors by miRNA-processing machinery. Extensive studies have demonstrated that mature miRNAs modulate CSC initiation and stemness features by regulating multiple pathways and targeting stemness-related factors. Meanwhile, both miRNA precursors and miRNA-processing machinery can also affect CSC properties, unveiling a new insight into miRNA function. The present review summarizes the roles of mature miRNAs, miRNA precursors, and miRNA-processing machinery in regulating CSC properties with a specific focus on the related molecular mechanisms, and also outlines the potential application of miRNAs in cancer diagnosis, predicting prognosis, as well as clinical therapy.
Insights
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor growth and resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), including precursors and processing machinery, regulate CSC properties and offer potential for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial for tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cellular processes, including CSC properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of miRNAs in regulating CSCs.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA involvement in CSCs.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of miRNAs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on mature miRNAs, miRNA precursors, and miRNA-processing machinery.
- Analysis of molecular pathways and targets regulated by miRNAs in CSCs.
- Examination of current and potential clinical applications of miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Mature miRNAs, precursors, and processing machinery significantly influence CSC initiation and stemness.
- miRNAs regulate CSCs by targeting multiple pathways and stemness-related factors.
- Dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis and function impacts CSC properties.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are critical regulators of cancer stem cell biology.
- Understanding miRNA roles provides insights into tumor development and progression.
- miRNAs hold promise for novel cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics.
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