miRNAs: Potential as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Cancer

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to messenger RNAs. miRNAs are important regulators of gene expression, and their dysregulation is implicated in many human and canine diseases. Most cancers tested to date have been shown to express altered miRNA levels, which indicates their potential importance in the oncogenic process. Based on this evidence, numerous miRNAs have been suggested as potential cancer biomarkers for both diagnosis and prognosis. miRNA-based therapies have also been tested in different cancers and have provided measurable clinical benefits to patients. In addition, understanding miRNA biogenesis and regulatory mechanisms in cancer can provide important knowledge about resistance to chemotherapies, leading to more personalized cancer treatment. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the importance of miRNA in human and canine cancer research. We discussed the current state of development and potential for the miRNA as both a diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target.

Biomarkers for Early Cancer Detection: A Landscape View of Recent Advancements, Spotlighting Pancreatic and Liver Cancers

“…MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have shown promise as potential biomarkers due to their involvement in gene regulation and their dysregulation in various cancers. Further research into the functional roles of these molecules can lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers for early cancer detection. ,− …”

“…AI can assist in identifying patterns, predicting disease outcomes, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis. − MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have shown promise as potential biomarkers due to their involvement in gene regulation and their dysregulation in various cancers. Further research into the functional roles of these molecules can lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers for early cancer detection. ,− Combining imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and computed tomography (CT) scans with molecular biomarkers can provide a comprehensive and multi-dimensional view of cancer. This integrated approach can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment decisions. ,,, Developing biomarkers that allow for longitudinal monitoring and real-time assessment of treatment response is crucial.…”

To boldly go where no microRNAs have gone before: Spaceflight impact on risk for small-for-gestational-age infants

“…Notably, a signi cant portion of these miRNAs are implicated in cancer. It is common in miRNA research that many of these miRNAs were initially discovered within the context of cancer 53 . Although individual miRNAs can play roles in various diseases, including cancer, our working hypothesis, supported by previous research, suggests that the collective impact of a group of miRNAs, known as a miRNA signature, is often associated with speci c diseases 54,55,27,56 .…”

Mapping the function of MicroRNAs as a critical regulator of tumor-immune cell communication in breast cancer and potential treatment strategies

“…The use of antimiRs to decrease miRNA expression requires oligonucleotide optimisation with the goals of increasing binding affinity, improving nuclease resistance, and facilitating in vivo transport. This can be achieved by a variety of chemical modifications, including shifts in the sugar, nucleobase, or internucleotide linkages ( Chakrabortty et al, 2023 ).…”