Anexelekto (AXL) no more: microRNA-155 (miR-155) controls the "Uncontrolled" in SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The Anexelekto (AXL) receptor tyrosine kinase is implicated in cancer progression, metastasis, and immune evasion.
• AXL plays a role in various viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, with miR-155 being particularly relevant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of AXL in cancer and viral infections, specifically SARS-CoV-2.
• To investigate the connection between miR-155 and AXL homeostasis.
• To highlight potential miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on AXL, miRNAs, cancer, and viral infections.
• Analysis of the regulatory mechanisms involving miR-155 and AXL.
• Discussion of potential therapeutic strategies targeting the AXL-miRNA axis.

Main Results:

• AXL overexpression promotes cancer metastasis, angiogenesis, immune suppression, and therapeutic resistance.
• AXL is involved in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
• miR-155 influences AXL homeostasis both naturally and in response to drugs like metformin.

Conclusions:

• AXL is a significant factor in cancer and viral pathogenesis.
• miR-155 represents a potential therapeutic target for modulating AXL activity.
• miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics hold future promise for cancer, infections, and immune disorders.