MiR-223-3p in Cancer Development and Cancer Drug Resistance: Same Coin, Different Faces

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators influencing cell functions and diseases.
• miR-223-3p (miR-223) is implicated in hematopoiesis, inflammation, and diverse cancer types, exhibiting context-dependent oncogenic or oncosuppressive activities.
• miR-223's role in cancer treatment sensitivity or resistance is also context-dependent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of miR-223 in various human cancers.
• To elucidate the dual oncogenic and oncosuppressive functions of miR-223 across different cancer types.
• To explore the potential of miR-223 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in oncology.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating miR-223 in cancer.
• Analysis of miR-223's expression patterns and functional roles in different malignancies.
• Identification of key miR-223 targets, such as NLRP3 and FBXW7, in oncogenic and oncosuppressive contexts.

Main Results:

• miR-223 exhibits an oncosuppressive role in breast cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and glioblastoma.
• An oncogenic role for miR-223 prevails in colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic cancers, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.
• miR-223 shows variable roles in prostate cancer and hematological malignancies, with NLRP3 and FBXW7 identified as key targets.
• Increased miR-223 levels were observed in biological fluids and extracellular vesicles across many analyzed cancers.

Conclusions:

• miR-223 demonstrates a context-specific dual role in cancer progression and suppression.
• The expression levels of miR-223 in biofluids indicate its potential as a valuable biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
• Understanding miR-223's intricate roles is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.