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Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
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.
Abstract:
Short non-coding RNAs, miRNAs, play roles in the control of cell growth and differentiation in cancer. Reportedly, the introduction of miRNAs could reduce the biologically malignant behavior of cancer cells, suggesting a possible use as therapeutic reagents. Given that the forced expression of several miRNAs, including miR-302, results in the cellular reprograming of human and mouse cells, which is similar to the effects of the transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, this suggests that the selective introduction of several miRNAs will be able to achieve anti-cancer effects at the epigenetic and metabolic levels. In this review article, we bring together the recent advances made in studies of microRNA-based therapeutic approaches to therapy-resistant cancers, especially in gastrointestinal organs.
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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