miRNAs in lung cancer: large roles for small players

Future Oncol. 2011 Sep;7(9):1045-55. doi: 10.2217/fon.11.74.

Abstract

miRNAs play an important role in the regulation of a wide assortment of cellular processes by sequestering target mRNAs and inhibiting translation of the proteins that they encode. Multiple miRNAs can regulate single mRNA molecules and, alternatively, a single miRNA can act on a number of mRNA targets. Dysfunctional miRNAs are commonly found in a variety of solid cancers and are attractive candidates for next-generation therapeutics. This article highlights miRNA signatures proposed for lung cancer classification and diagnosis, chemo- and radio-therapy resistance, metastasis and prediction of treatment outcome and survival.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy
  • MicroRNAs / analysis*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Prognosis
  • Radiation Tolerance / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs