miRNAs in Cancer (Review of Literature)

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding, single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by binding to mRNAs. miRNAs affect the course of processes of fundamental importance for the proper functioning of the organism. These processes include cell division, proliferation, differentiation, cell apoptosis and the formation of blood vessels. Altered expression of individual miRNAs has been shown in numerous cancers, which may indicate the oncogenic or suppressor potential of the molecules in question. This paper discusses the current knowledge about the possibility of using miRNA as a diagnostic marker and a potential target in modern anticancer therapies.

miR‑let‑7c‑3p targeting on Egr‑1 contributes to the committed differentiation of leukemia cells into monocyte/macrophages

“…Usually, one important pathway for microRNAs (miRNAs) to result in gene silencing or translational repression was mainly contributed to binding to 3'UTR of target mRNAs (60)(61)(62). The regulatory factors of miRNA not only participate in the occurrence and development of various human tumors (63), but also show great potential in disease diagnosis, prognosis judgment and targeted therapy (64). Among them, it has been found that miRNAs are involved in differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and other processes of leukemia cells, and its relatively specific mutational and deregulated expression profiles also have potential as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers (65).…”

Epigenetic Regulation in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

“…miRNAs can be easily detected in biological fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, et cetera and also detected in exosomes ( 115 ). MiRNAs have potential utility as prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets, and recent data also suggests miRNAs may also play a role in therapy sensitivity and/or resistance ( 116 ).…”

The interplay between noncoding RNA and YAP/TAZ signaling in cancers: molecular functions and mechanisms

“…A large body of evidence has demonstrated that ncRNAs are important versatile molecules involved in various tumorigenic processes. In vivo, ncRNAs are remarkably stable and are thus potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients [ 17 – 21 ].…”