Interplay between the Cannabinoid System and microRNAs in Cancer

Abstract

Cancer patients often use cannabinoids for alleviating symptoms induced by cancer pathogenesis and cancer treatment. This use of cannabinoids can have unexpected effects in cancer patients depending on the cancer type, resulting in either beneficial (e.g., anticancer) or adverse (e.g., oncogenic) effects. While cannabinoids can enhance the growth and progression of some cancers, they can also suppress the growth and progression of other cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms of such differential effects are poorly understood. miRNAs have been shown to be involved in driving the hallmarks of cancer, affecting cancer growth and progression as well as cancer therapy response. Although the understanding of the effects of cannabinoids and miRNAs as they relate to cancer continues to improve, the interplay between cannabinoid system and miRNAs in cancer pathogenesis and cancer treatment response is poorly understood. Investigation of such interactions between the cannabinoid system and miRNAs could provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of the differential effects of cannabinoids in cancer and can help predict and improve the prognosis of cancer patients.

Anti-Cancer and Anti-Proliferative Potential of Cannabidiol: A Cellular and Molecular Perspective

“…However, there are limited data on the mechanism of action of endocannabinoids and the overall role of ECS in cancer, while the available data are seemingly contradictory [ 25 , 26 ]. That is, it is a consensus that the eCBNs and related cannabinoid receptor agonists impact a multitude of cancer-related signalling pathways through the activation of both the CB 1 and CB 2 receptors, particularly the pathways associated with anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects [ 27 ].…”

“…On the other hand, Salamat and colleagues [ 26 ] have reported on multiple studies that have shown a positive correlation between the ECS and cancer growth and progression. For instance, their observations showed an increased risk of cancer growth and progression due to elevated levels of eCBNs and cannabinoid receptors [ 26 ].…”

“…On the other hand, Salamat and colleagues [ 26 ] have reported on multiple studies that have shown a positive correlation between the ECS and cancer growth and progression. For instance, their observations showed an increased risk of cancer growth and progression due to elevated levels of eCBNs and cannabinoid receptors [ 26 ]. The biopsied samples of patients with cancer (glioma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, mantle cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and human melanoma) showed an increased quantity of CB 1 and CB 2 receptors.…”