The Role of MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer and the Challenges of Their Clinical Application

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a subclass of non-coding RNAs that exert substantial influence on gene-expression regulation. Their tightly controlled expression plays a pivotal role in various cellular processes, while their dysregulation has been implicated in numerous pathological conditions, including cancer. Among cancers affecting women, breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignant tumor. Extensive investigations have demonstrated distinct expression patterns of miRNAs in normal and malignant breast cells. Consequently, these findings have prompted research efforts towards leveraging miRNAs as diagnostic tools and the development of therapeutic strategies. The aim of this review is to describe the role of miRNAs in BC. We discuss the identification of oncogenic, tumor suppressor and metastatic miRNAs among BC cells, and their impact on tumor progression. We describe the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for BC, as well as their role as promising therapeutic targets. Finally, we evaluate the current use of artificial intelligence tools for miRNA analysis and the challenges faced by these new biomedical approaches in its clinical application. The insights presented in this review underscore the promising prospects of utilizing miRNAs as innovative diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools for the management of BC.

Sinensetin suppresses breast cancer cell progression via Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibition

“…Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, metastasis to distant organs remains the leading cause of death ( 39 , 40 ). Metastatic breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body.…”

“…TNBC patients account for 12% of all breast cancer patients. Although this disease initially responds to primary chemotherapy, the recurrence rate is high and the survival rate is low ( 39 , 40 ).…”

Functions of Differentially Regulated miRNAs in Breast Cancer Progression: Potential Markers for Early Detection and Candidates for Therapy

“…Oncogenic miRNAs are often overexpressed in breast cancer and need to be suppressed to restore the normal expression of their target tumor-suppressor genes. In the recent past, multiple strategies have been developed to inhibit oncogenic miRNAs [ 153 , 154 ].…”

Exosomal microRNAs in regulation of tumor cells resistance to apoptosis

“…Extensive studies have elucidated discernible expression patterns of miRNAs in both normal and malignant breast cells [ 137 ]. In breast cancer cells (BCCs), exosomes derived from CAFs have been shown to induce the expression of PD-L1 and miR-92.…”