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Updated: Jul 24, 2025
Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
Published on: April 6, 2012
MicroRNA-21 in gynecological cancers: From molecular pathogenesis to clinical significance
Ni-Jie Jiang1, Ya-Nan Yin1, Jiao Lin1
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nursing, West China Second University Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, China.
Abstract:
Ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers are the three most common gynecological cancer types (GCs). They hold a significant position as the leading causes of mortality among women with cancer-related death. However, GCs are often diagnosed late, severely limiting the efficacy of current treatment options. Thus, there is an urgent, unmet need for innovative experimentation to enhance the clinical treatment of GC patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large and varied class of short noncoding RNAs (22 nucleotides in length) that have been shown to play essential roles in various biological processes involved in development. Recent research has shown that miR-211 influences tumorigenesis and cancer formation, adding to our knowledge of the miR-21 dysregulation in GCs. Furthermore, current research that sheds light on the crucial functions of miR-21 may provide supporting evidence for its potential prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications in the context of GCs. This review will thus focus on the most recent findings concerning miR-21 expression, miR-21 target genes, and the processes behind GCs. In addition, the latest findings that support miR-21's potential use as a non-invasive biomarker and therapeutic agent for detecting and treating cancer will be elucidated in this review. The roles played by various lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in GCs are also comprehensively summarized and described in this study, along with any possible implications for how these regulatory networks may contribute to the pathogenesis of GCs. Also, it is crucial to recognize the complexity of the processes involved in tumour therapeutic resistance as a significant obstacle in treating GCs. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the functional significance miR-21 in therapeutic resistance within the context of GCs.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), specifically miR-21, show promise in diagnosing and treating gynecological cancers (GCs). Research highlights miR-21
Area of Science:
- Gynecological Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Gynecological cancers (GCs) are leading causes of cancer mortality in women.
- Late diagnosis limits treatment efficacy for ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of biological processes, including tumorigenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on miR-21 expression, targets, and roles in GCs.
- To explore miR-21's potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic agent.
- To summarize regulatory networks (lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis) in GC pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on miR-21 in GCs.
- Analysis of miR-21 expression patterns and target genes.
- Investigation of regulatory networks and therapeutic resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- miR-21 dysregulation is implicated in GC development and progression.
- miR-21 shows potential as a non-invasive biomarker for GCs.
- Regulatory networks involving lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs are crucial in GCs.
- miR-21 plays a role in therapeutic resistance in GCs.
Conclusions:
- miR-21 holds significant potential for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications in GCs.
- Understanding miR-21's role in regulatory networks and therapeutic resistance is critical for improving GC treatment.
- Further research into miR-21-based strategies may enhance clinical outcomes for GC patients.
