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miRNAs and arsenic-induced carcinogenesis
Alexandra N Nail1, Ana P Ferragut Cardoso1, Lakyn K Montero1
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Integrative Environmental Health Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.
Advances in Pharmacology (San Diego, Calif.)
|March 1, 2023
Summary
Arsenic exposure causes cancer worldwide. This review details how microRNA (miRNA) changes contribute to arsenic-induced cancers, aiding in developing new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Arsenic-induced carcinogenesis is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the molecular drivers of arsenic-related cancers is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
- MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in cancer development and progression.
Approach:
- This chapter comprehensively reviews the current literature on miRNA dysregulation in arsenic-induced cancers.
- It examines studies linking altered miRNA expression in individuals with chronic arsenic exposure to cancer development.
- The review also includes findings from cell models investigating arsenic-induced carcinogenesis.
Key Points:
- Altered miRNA expression is consistently observed in cancers associated with chronic arsenic exposure.
- miRNA dysregulation plays a role in the molecular mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced carcinogenesis.
- Specific miRNAs may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for arsenic-related cancers.
Conclusions:
- miRNA dysregulation is a critical component of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis.
- Further research into miRNA's role can lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for arsenic-related cancers.
- Addressing miRNA alterations presents a promising avenue for combating arsenic-induced cancer globally.
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