The Multifaceted Role and Utility of MicroRNAs in Indolent B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Abstract

Normal B-cell development is a tightly regulated complex procedure, the deregulation of which can lead to lymphomagenesis. One common group of blood cancers is the B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs), which can be categorized according to the proliferation and spread rate of cancer cells into indolent and aggressive ones. The most frequent indolent B-cell NHLs are follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that can greatly influence protein expression. Based on the multiple interactions among miRNAs and their targets, complex networks of gene expression regulation emerge, which normally are essential for proper B-cell development. Multiple miRNAs have been associated with B-cell lymphomas, as the deregulation of these complex networks can lead to such pathological states. The aim of the present review is to summarize the existing information regarding the multifaceted role of miRNAs in indolent B-cell NHLs, affecting the main B-cell subpopulations. We attempt to provide insight into their biological function, the complex miRNA-mRNA interactions, and their biomarker utility in these malignancies. Lastly, we address the limitations that hinder the investigation of the role of miRNAs in these lymphomas and discuss ways that these problems could be overcome in the future.

New Insights into the Biology and Diagnosis of Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphomas

“…Studies have highlighted the putative role of microRNA in the pathogenesis of these lymphomas and showed that the SMZL deregulates the expression of 51 miRNAs [ 26 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. According to Arribas et al, the most overexpressed miRNAs seem to be “miR-155, miR-21, miR-34a, miR-193b and miR-100, while the most repressed miRNAs are miR-377, miR-27b, miR-145, miR-376a and miR-424” [ 42 ].…”

“…Moreover, in HCV-associated SMZLs, antiviral treatment (protease inhibitors, NS5A, or NS5B inhibitors) results in a marked reduction of lymphocytosis and splenomegaly. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood [ 44 ].…”

Artificial Intelligence in Bulk and Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Data to Foster Precision Oncology

“…Of note, part of cancer transcriptomic data originates from preclinical research employing cell lines and mouse models. Despite the undeniable value of these data, molecular differences between these models and patient tumors call for caution in extending results to the human system [ 128 , 129 ]. Therefore, approaches aiming at delineating the similarities and differences between preclinical and clinical transcriptomes are required for an effective application of AI to improve the patient’s quality of life [ 130 , 131 ].…”

The Role of Circulating MicroRNAs in Patients with Early-Stage Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

“…Potential molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognostic stratification include circulating microRNAs (miRNAs). Nowadays, there is no doubt that miRNAs play a crucial role in both pathological and physiological processes via post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression [9][10][11]. A single miRNA may target hundreds of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) [12].…”