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Functional roles of microRNAs in vasculogenic mimicry and resistance to therapy in human cancers: an update

  • 0Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México.
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology +

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May 7, 2024

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May 7, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in cancer, a process linked to poor prognosis. Identifying specific miRNA signatures could reveal new therapeutic targets for aggressive tumors.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background

  • Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a cancer mechanism where tumor cells form nutrient channels, promoting aggressive phenotypes and therapy resistance.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression with emerging roles in VM development and cancer progression.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To review the role of miRNAs in regulating VM.
  • To explore miRNA functions in the tumor microenvironment and cancer stem-like cells.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of miRNAs in VM-associated cancers.

Main Methods

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on miRNAs and VM.
  • Analysis of miRNA roles in tumor microenvironment interactions.
  • Exploration of natural compound modulation of VM.

Main Results

  • miRNAs are critical regulators of protein-encoding genes involved in VM.
  • miRNA expression signatures are not yet fully established for clinical value in large patient cohorts.
  • Further research is needed to confirm miRNAs as effective therapeutic targets in VM-positive tumors.

Conclusions

  • miRNAs are integral to VM development and cancer aggressiveness.
  • Genomic profiling of miRNAs may define tumor hallmarks like stemness and drug resistance.
  • Targeting deregulated miRNAs presents a promising therapeutic strategy for VM-driven cancers.

Keywords:

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