Steroid receptor and microRNA regulation in cancer

Abstract

Cancers have distinct miRNA expression profiles that contribute to the pathobiology of the disease. In hormone-responsive cancers, the regulatory interactions between the SHR and miRNA may contribute to disease progression. The miRNA regulation of estrogen receptor in cancer has been established in estrogen-dependent cancers. The role of miRNAs in regulating progesterone receptor, androgen receptor and glucocorticoid receptor is under investigation with new insights emerging. These interactions can provide prognostic utility as well as the potential for therapeutic intervention in the future.

The novel role of miRNAs for tamoxifen resistance in human breast cancer

“…In breast cancer, alterations in expression of miRNAs appear to play important roles in drug resistance [11,12]. Various studies have identified miRNAs that may be involved in ER regulation [13], and this mechanism has been proposed to be involved in the tamoxifen resistance. Therefore, miRNAs promise potential new therapeutic approaches that could be used to regulate the tamoxifen resistance and improve the clinical benefits of tamoxifen therapy.…”

Diagnostic microRNA profiling in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)

“…[7][8][9][10] Recent data indicate that several small, noncoding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs), are differentially expressed and possibly also involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. 11,12 Thus, miR-21 expression is up-regulated and seems to play a role in the regulation of apoptosis in malignant T cells obtained from patients with Sézary Syndrome (SS), a leukemic variant of CTCL. These findings are in keeping with studies in other cancers where miRNAs have been ascribed a key role in cancer development and metastasis.…”

Function and regulation of MTA1 and MTA3 in malignancies of the female reproductive system

“…Whereas the ovary is the primary source of estrogens and progesterons, the endometrium is considered to be the classical target tissue for these steroid hormones. The clinical importance of steroid hormones and their mediating receptors is also reflected by the highly effective anti-hormonal treatment of breast cancer [7][8][9].…”