Drug Discovery and Development of miRNA-Based Nucleotide Drugs for Gastrointestinal Cancer

Hiromichi Sato1,2, Tomoaki Hara1, Sikun Meng1

  • 1Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Department of Medical Data Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan.

Biomedicines
|August 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise in cancer therapy by reprogramming cells and targeting epigenetic and metabolic pathways. This review explores miRNA-based treatments for therapy-resistant cancers, particularly in gastrointestinal organs.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs crucial for regulating cell growth and differentiation.
  • Dysregulation of miRNAs is implicated in cancer development and progression.
  • miRNAs can suppress malignant behaviors in cancer cells, indicating therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in microRNA-based therapeutic strategies for therapy-resistant cancers.
  • To highlight the potential of miRNAs in targeting epigenetic and metabolic pathways in cancer.
  • To focus on the application of miRNA therapeutics in gastrointestinal cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on microRNA-based cancer therapy.
  • Analysis of research on miRNA-induced cellular reprogramming.
  • Examination of studies investigating miRNA effects on epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells.

Main Results:

  • Forced expression of specific miRNAs, such as miR-302, can reprogram cells, similar to transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc.
  • miRNAs demonstrate potential to reverse malignant phenotypes in cancer cells.
  • Selective introduction of miRNAs may offer anti-cancer effects via epigenetic and metabolic modulation.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNA-based therapies represent a promising approach for overcoming resistance in cancer treatment.
  • Targeting epigenetic and metabolic pathways with miRNAs offers a novel strategy against cancer.
  • Further research into miRNA therapeutics is warranted, especially for gastrointestinal malignancies.

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