MicroRNA-23b: Roles, functions and mechanisms in tumor

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Oncology

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression.
• Aberrant expression of miR-23b is observed in numerous cancer types.
• Understanding miR-23b's role is vital for cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological roles and regulation of miR-23b in diverse cancers.
• To elucidate miR-23b's impact on cancer development and patient outcomes.
• To assess miR-23b as a potential cancer biomarker and therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review.
• Analysis of miR-23b expression patterns in various cancers.
• Investigation of miR-23b's molecular targets and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• miR-23b targets both oncogenes and tumor suppressors.
• Expression of miR-23b is heterogeneous across different cancer types.
• miR-23b influences key signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin) and apoptotic proteins (e.g., BCL2).
• miR-23b expression correlates with overall and disease-free survival rates.
• In vivo and ex vivo studies support miR-23b as a therapeutic target.

Conclusions:

• miR-23b is intricately linked to cancer development and progression.
• miR-23b exhibits potential as a prognostic/diagnostic biomarker.
• miR-23b represents a promising therapeutic target for various cancers.