Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2025

In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge
Published on: June 15, 2018
A review on the importance of miRNA-135 in human diseases
Sepideh Kadkhoda1, Solat Eslami2,3, Bashdar Mahmud Hussen4,5
1Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
MicroRNA-135 (miR-135) is a microRNA which is involved in the pathoetiology of several neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions. Both tumor suppressor and oncogenic roles have been reported for this miRNA. Studies in prostate, renal, gallbladder and nasopharyngeal cancers as well as glioma have shown down-regulation of miR-135 in cancerous tissues compared with controls. These studies have also shown the impact of miR-135 down-regulation on enhancement of cell proliferation and aggressive behavior. Meanwhile, miR-135 has been shown to be up-regulated in bladder, oral, colorectal and liver cancers. Studies in breast, gastric, lung and pancreatic cancers as well as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have reported dual roles for miR-135. Dysregulation of miR-135 has also been noted in various non-neoplastic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, depression, diabetes, Parkinson, pulmonary arterial hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, endometriosis, epilepsy and allergic conditions. In the current review, we summarize the role of miR-135 in the carcinogenesis as well as development of other disorders.
Insights
MicroRNA-135 (miR-135) plays a complex role in diseases, acting as both a tumor suppressor and oncogene. Its dysregulation is linked to various cancers and non-neoplastic conditions, impacting cell behavior.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNA-135 (miR-135) is implicated in the pathology of numerous neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases.
- miR-135 exhibits both tumor suppressor and oncogenic functions, with context-dependent roles.
- Dysregulation of miR-135 is observed across a spectrum of cancers and other disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the multifaceted roles of miR-135 in carcinogenesis.
- To consolidate findings on miR-135 involvement in various non-neoplastic conditions.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of miR-135's impact on disease development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating miR-135.
- Analysis of miR-135 expression levels in cancerous and non-cancerous tissues.
- Synthesis of data on miR-135's functional roles in different disease models.
Main Results:
- miR-135 is downregulated in prostate, renal, gallbladder, nasopharyngeal cancers, and glioma, correlating with increased proliferation and aggressiveness.
- miR-135 is upregulated in bladder, oral, colorectal, and liver cancers.
- Dual roles for miR-135 are reported in breast, gastric, lung, pancreatic cancers, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
- miR-135 dysregulation is associated with Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, depression, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, endometriosis, epilepsy, and allergic conditions.
Conclusions:
- miR-135 is a key regulator in carcinogenesis, with its expression levels and functions varying by cancer type.
- Dysregulation of miR-135 contributes to the pathogenesis of diverse non-neoplastic diseases.
- Further research into miR-135 mechanisms could offer therapeutic insights for cancer and other conditions.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
Experimental RNAi

