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Updated: Jun 18, 2025
Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy
Published on: October 4, 2019
Targeted gene therapy for cancer: the impact of microRNA multipotentiality
Nourhan A Abou Madawi1, Zeinab E Darwish2, Enas M Omar2
1Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champollion Street, Azarita, 21521, Alexandria, Egypt. nourhan.madawi@alexu.edu.eg.
Abstract:
Cancer is a life-threatening disease and its management is difficult due to its complex nature. Cancer is characterized by genomic instability and tumor-associated inflammation of the supporting stoma. With the advances in omics science, a treatment strategy for cancer has emerged, which is based on targeting cancer-driving molecules, known as targeted therapy. Gene therapy, a form of targeted therapy, is the introduction of nucleic acids into living cells to replace a defective gene, promote or repress gene expression to treat a disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate gene expression and thus are involved in physiological processes like cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. miRNAs control the actions of many genes. They are deregulated in cancer and their abnormal expression influences genetic and epigenetic alterations inducing carcinogenesis. In this review, we will explain the role of miRNAs in normal and abnormal gene expression and their usefulness in monitoring cancer patients. Besides, we will discuss miRNA-based therapy as a method of gene therapy and its impact on the success of cancer management.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression implicated in cancer development. This review explores miRNA roles in cancer and their potential as targeted gene therapy for improved cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cancer is a complex disease characterized by genomic instability and inflammation.
- Targeted therapy, including gene therapy, offers new strategies for cancer treatment.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are often deregulated in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the role of miRNAs in normal and abnormal gene expression.
- To highlight the utility of miRNAs in monitoring cancer patients.
- To discuss miRNA-based therapy as a gene therapy approach for cancer management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on miRNAs and cancer.
- Analysis of the role of miRNAs in gene regulation and carcinogenesis.
- Exploration of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are crucial in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell death.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to genetic and epigenetic alterations driving cancer.
- miRNAs show promise as biomarkers for cancer monitoring.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs play a significant role in cancer development and progression.
- miRNA-based gene therapy represents a promising avenue for targeted cancer treatment.
- Understanding miRNA functions is vital for advancing cancer management strategies.
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