The Role of miRNAs in the Development, Proliferation, and Progression of Endometrial Cancer

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in developing and developed countries. Although the detection of this cancer is high at the early stages, there is still a lack of markers to monitor the disease, its recurrence, and metastasis. MiRNAs are in charge of the post-transcriptional regulation of genes responsible for the most important biological processes, which is why they are increasingly used as biomarkers in many types of cancer. Many studies have demonstrated the influence of miRNAs on the processes related to carcinogenesis. The characteristics of miRNA expression profiles in endometrial cancer will allow their use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This paper focuses on the discussion of selected miRNAs based on the literature and their role in the development of endometrial cancer.

Landscape of Endometrial Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Target Therapy

“…Additionally, inhibiting the expression of miR-182 suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inhibiting miR-21 expression can enhance apoptosis and increase the sensitivity of endometrial tumor cells to chemotherapy. Ongoing preclinical and clinical studies are exploring the use of miR-21 inhibitors alone or in combination with standard therapies [ 187 , 188 ]. However, it is important to acknowledge that while miRNA-based therapies show promise, further research is needed to optimize their efficacy, safety, and clinical utility in the treatment of EC.…”

circRNAs in Endometrial Cancer—A Promising Biomarker: State of the Art

“…Factors that strongly increase the likelihood of developing EC are primarily age and obesity. However, the risk of EC is also associated with factors such as metabolic syndrome, race, exposure to estrogens, reproductive factors, genetic predisposition, tamoxifen therapy, and lifestyle [ 14 , 19 , 23 , 24 ].…”

“…Nulliparity, older age at last birth, early menarche, and late menopause contribute to the prolongation of exposure to endogenous estrogens, increasing the risk of EC in these women. However, breastfeeding and taking oral contraceptives contribute to reducing the risk of developing EC [ 20 , 23 , 27 ]. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk of EC in women by 2.7 times.…”

“…Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk of EC in women by 2.7 times. Additionally, women diagnosed with PCOS show altered miRNA expression, including an increased expression of miR-27a-5p in serum, which is an important factor in the migration and invasiveness of EC cells through the Smad4 protein [ 23 , 27 ].…”