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Published on: October 4, 2019
microRNAs (miRNAs) in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)-Recent Literature Review
Marianna Makowska1, Beata Smolarz2, Hanna Romanowicz2
1Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common, malignant, poorly promising primary brain tumor. GBM is characterized by an infiltrating growth nature, abundant vascularization, and a rapid and aggressive clinical course. For many years, the standard treatment of gliomas has invariably been surgical treatment supported by radio- and chemotherapy. Due to the location and significant resistance of gliomas to conventional therapies, the prognosis of glioblastoma patients is very poor and the cure rate is low. The search for new therapy targets and effective therapeutic tools for cancer treatment is a current challenge for medicine and science. microRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in many cellular processes, such as growth, differentiation, cell division, apoptosis, and cell signaling. Their discovery was a breakthrough in the diagnosis and prognosis of many diseases. Understanding the structure of miRNAs may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of cellular regulation dependent on miRNA and the pathogenesis of diseases underlying these short non-coding RNAs, including glial brain tumors. This paper provides a detailed review of the latest reports on the relationship between changes in the expression of individual microRNAs and the formation and development of gliomas. The use of miRNAs in the treatment of this cancer is also discussed.
Insights
This review explores microRNAs (miRNAs) and their role in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a deadly brain cancer. Understanding miRNA expression changes offers new therapeutic targets for treating GBM.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Current treatments (surgery, radio-, chemotherapy) show limited efficacy due to tumor resistance and location.
- Novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed for effective GBM treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest research on microRNA (miRNA) expression alterations in glioma formation and development.
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic agents for glioblastoma.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of recent scientific reports.
- Analysis of studies investigating the link between miRNA expression and glioma pathogenesis.
- Examination of research on miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for brain tumors.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of cellular processes, including growth and apoptosis.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is significantly associated with glioma development and progression.
- Specific miRNAs show potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in glioblastoma patients.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs represent a promising area for understanding glioblastoma pathogenesis.
- Targeting miRNA pathways offers a novel therapeutic avenue for glioblastoma treatment.
- Further research into miRNA function and therapeutic application is warranted for improving patient outcomes.
