Perspectives on miRNAs directly targeting BDNF for cancer diagnosis and treatment (Review)

MicroRNA (miRNA), a non‑coding single‑stranded RNA molecule with a length of 21‑25 nucleotides transcripts, has been identified to play important roles in tumorigenesis and shows great potential applications in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the nerve growth factor family and usually serves as a biomarker in neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases for diagnosis and treatment by regulating its high‑affinity receptor TrkB (Tyrosine Kinase Receptor B). Abnormal expression of BDNF is also closely related to the development of cancer, cancer‑related pain and depression. However, little significant progress has been made in the application of BDNF in cancers. Recent studies have shown that the expression of BDNF is directly regulated by a cluster of miRNAs. This review concluded and discussed the role and mechanism of miRNAs targeting BDNF in cancers, and provided novel insights into the diagnosis and therapy of cancer in the future.