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KRAS Hijacks the miRNA Regulatory Pathway in Cancer

Angelina S Bortoletto1, Ronald J Parchem1

  • 1Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Cancer Research
|March 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Mutations in microRNA (miRNA) processing machinery and oncogenic Kristen rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) promote cancer by disrupting miRNA regulation. Targeting both offers a potential therapeutic strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression implicated in cancer.
  • Previous research focused on individual miRNA dysregulation.
  • Emerging evidence links mutations in miRNA biogenesis machinery and oncogenic KRAS to cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the role of miRNA core machinery mutations in cancer.
  • To discuss how mutant KRAS impacts miRNA processing and function.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting mutant KRAS and miRNA machinery.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on miRNA biogenesis, KRAS mutations, and cancer.
  • Analysis of the interplay between KRAS signaling and miRNA regulatory pathways.
  • Discussion of potential therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Mutations in miRNA biogenesis machinery contribute to malignant transformation.
  • Oncogenic KRAS modulates miRNA regulatory pathways, impacting multiple processing steps.
  • Dysregulated miRNA processing by mutant KRAS promotes tumorigenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Mutations in the miRNA core machinery are vital drivers of cancer.
  • Mutant KRAS hijacks the miRNA pathway, adding complexity to its oncogenic role.
  • Concurrent targeting of mutant KRAS and miRNA machinery presents a promising therapeutic avenue.

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