The role of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of adrenal tumors

Nunki Hassan; Jing Ting Zhao; Stan B Sidhu

doi:10.1016/j.mce.2016.12.011

The role of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of adrenal tumors

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2017 Nov 15:456:36-43. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.12.011. Epub 2016 Dec 20.

Authors

Nunki Hassan¹, Jing Ting Zhao¹, Stan B Sidhu²

Affiliations

¹ Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School Northern, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Australia.
² Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School Northern, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Australia; University of Sydney Endocrine Surgery Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: stansidhu@nebsc.com.au.

PMID: 28007658
DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.12.011

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. Due to its association with an assortment of diseases, miRNAs have been extensively studied in the last decade. In this review, the current understanding of the role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of adrenal tumors is discussed. The recent contributions of high-throughput miRNA profiling studies have identified miRNAs that have functional and molecular roles in adrenal tumorigenesis. With respect to the biological heterogeneity of adrenal tumors and the limitations of the current treatments, an improved understanding of miRNAs may hold potential diagnostic and therapeutic value to facilitate better clinical management.

Keywords: Adrenal tumors; Adrenocortical carcinoma; MicroRNA; Pheochromocytomas.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / genetics*
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / physiopathology
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / therapy
Adrenal Glands / metabolism
Adrenal Glands / physiopathology
Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / genetics*
Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / metabolism
Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / physiopathology
Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / therapy
Adrenocortical Carcinoma / genetics*
Adrenocortical Carcinoma / metabolism
Adrenocortical Carcinoma / physiopathology
Adrenocortical Carcinoma / therapy
Animals
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
Drug Delivery Systems / methods
Endocrine Cells / metabolism
Endocrine Cells / pathology
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
Humans
MicroRNAs / genetics*
MicroRNAs / metabolism
MicroRNAs / therapeutic use
Pheochromocytoma / genetics*
Pheochromocytoma / metabolism
Pheochromocytoma / physiopathology
Pheochromocytoma / therapy
Signal Transduction

Substances

MicroRNAs