MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets in human cancers

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, small, regulatory RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. Extensive research in the last decade has implicated miRNAs as master regulators of cellular processes with essential role in cancer initiation, progression and metastasis, making them promising therapeutic tools for cancer management. In this review, we will briefly review the structure, biogenesis, functions and mechanism of action of these miRNAs, followed by a detailed analysis of the therapeutic potential of these miRNAs. We will focus on the strategies presently used for miRNA therapy; discuss their use and drawbacks, and the challenges and future directions for development of miRNA-based therapy for human cancers.

miR-24 promotes the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells by targeting SOX7

“…MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNA molecules which regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally through binding to the 3′-untranslational region (3′-UTR) of target mRNAs [4]. miRNAs play important roles in many biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and invasion [5].…”

Oleanolic acid suppresses the proliferation of lung carcinoma cells by miR-122/Cyclin G1/MEF2D axis

“…miRNAs have been well documented to be associated with cancer initiation and progression [7]. Therefore, they are also believed to be effective therapeutic targets [7]. miR-122 has been found to be an important tumor suppressor in some types of cancer.…”

“…However, other p53-independent mechanisms should exist, because p53 mutation and deletion is quite common in cancer cell lines and the tumor specimen from patients. miRNAs have been well documented to be associated with cancer initiation and progression [7]. Therefore, they are also believed to be effective therapeutic targets [7].…”

Bioengineered non-coding RNA agent (BERA) in action

“…There is accumulating evidence supporting that siRNAs and miRNAs are promising targets for the treatment of different diseases including cancers and infections, and many siRNA/miRNA therapeutics are under clinical investigation. [4][5][6] As an example, MRX34, a liposome formulated miR-34a mimic, exhibits antiproliferative activities against various types of human carcinoma cells via repressing multiple oncogenes, and MRX34 has entered into Phase 1 clinical trials to treat unresectable primary liver tumor. 7 Patisiran, a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formul ated 25-bp siRNA agent targeting Transthyretin (TTR) mRNA, is in Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of TTR-mediated amyloidosis.…”