MicroRNAs as biomarkers of cervical cancer development: a literature review on miR-125b and miR-34a

Mol Biol Rep. 2014 Mar;41(3):1525-31. doi: 10.1007/s11033-013-2998-0. Epub 2014 Jan 9.

Abstract

MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs with important functions in several biological processes, such as, regulation of cell cycle, immune response, inflammation, and apoptosis. In fact, deregulation and abnormal expression of these molecules is associated with human pathologies including cancer and several have already emerged as potential prognostic biomarkers in different neoplasias. miR-34a is directly regulated by p53 and acts as tumor suppressor while miR-125b plays a significant role in immune response and apoptosis. In cervical carcinogenesis, HPV proteins seem to interact with both miR-34a and miR-125b changing its expression and promoting persistent infection and cervical cancer development. In this review we describe the potential role of miR-125b and miR-34a in cervical carcinogenesis, including interaction with HPV and mechanism of deregulation. Additionally, their clinical applications in cervical cancer as prognostic/predictive biomarkers are also briefly discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Prognosis
  • Signal Transduction
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MIRN125 microRNA, human
  • MIRN34 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs