miRNAs: mediators of ErbB family targeted therapy resistance

Pharmacogenomics. 2016 Jul;17(10):1175-1187. doi: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0038. Epub 2016 Jun 30.

Abstract

The ErbB/HER tyrosine kinase receptors family plays a key regulatory role in different cellular processes by activating several signaling pathways. In different tumor types, mutations or overexpression of the ErbB family members are a common feature, which led to the development of targeted therapies against this receptors. Although with this kind of treatment we are heading to a more personalized medicine, the development of acquired resistance is still an issue, therefore, several studies focused on discovering the mechanisms behind it. More recently, miRNAs have been described as important mediators of acquired resistance, specifically, acquired resistance to ErbB family targeted therapies. Ultimately, miRNA-based therapeutics using exosomes as a drug delivery model can revolutionize today's approach of cancer treatment.

Keywords: ErbB family; acquired resistance; exosomes; miRNAs; targeted therapies.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / trends
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins v-erbB / genetics*
  • Oncogene Proteins v-erbB / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • MicroRNAs
  • Oncogene Proteins v-erbB