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Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
circRNA/miRNA Networks Regulate KLF4 in Tumor Development
Raffaele Frazzi1, Enrico Farnetti1, Davide Nicoli1
1Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) emerged as an epigenetically regulated gene in a variety of settings, including cell reprogramming and malignant cell proliferation. The aim of the present manuscript is to explore the relationship described in recent years between circular RNAs, miRNAs, and KLF4. These have been shown to be involved in cancers having diverse histological origins, including some of the most prevalent and deadly tumors for the human population. Expression and protein levels of this transcription factor correlate with invasiveness and prognosis in a context- and tissue-specific fashion. Methods: The literature was obtained through two main PubMed queries. The first is "miRNA and KLF4 and cancer" and is limited to the last 5 years. The second is "circRNA and KLF4", which yielded publications between 2013 and 2024. The oncological publications were selected. Results: A number of circRNA/miRNA axes that regulate the downstream transcription factor KLF4 emerged in the last few years. circRNAs act as sponges for miRNAs and synergize with KLF4, which can function as either a tumor promoter or suppressor in different tumors. Conclusions: The axes represented by circRNA/miRNA/KLF4 emerged as a new layer of epigenetic regulation. These RNA-based modulators explain the complex regulation of this transcription factor and open the way to new therapeutic targeting possibilities.
Insights
Circular RNAs and miRNAs form novel regulatory axes impacting Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in cancer. These RNA interactions offer new therapeutic targets for various malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is epigenetically regulated and implicated in cell reprogramming and cancer.
- KLF4 expression correlates with tumor invasiveness and prognosis in a tissue-specific manner.
- KLF4 plays a role in diverse and prevalent human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interplay between circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and KLF4 in cancer.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms involving circRNA/miRNA/KLF4 axes.
Main Methods:
- Literature search on PubMed using keywords 'miRNA and KLF4 and cancer' (last 5 years) and 'circRNA and KLF4' (2013-2024).
- Selection of relevant oncological publications.
Main Results:
- Identification of circRNA/miRNA axes that regulate KLF4 expression.
- circRNAs function as miRNA sponges, influencing KLF4 activity.
- KLF4 exhibits context-dependent roles as a tumor promoter or suppressor.
Conclusions:
- circRNA/miRNA/KLF4 axes represent a novel layer of epigenetic regulation in cancer.
- These RNA-based modulators explain KLF4's complex regulation.
- This axis presents potential for new therapeutic strategies targeting cancer.
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