Feedback networks between microRNAs and epigenetic modifications in urological tumors

Epigenetics. 2012 Apr;7(4):315-25. doi: 10.4161/epi.19464. Epub 2012 Apr 1.

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications and microRNAs are known to play key roles in human cancer. For urological tumors, changes in epigenetic modifications and aberrant microRNA profiles have been reported. However, the mechanisms of epigenetic and microRNA regulation are not entirely separable. Increasingly, recent research in these fields overlaps. There seems to be a complicated feedback interrelationship between epigenetic and microRNA regulation that must be highly controlled. Disruptions of this feedback network can have serious consequences for various biological processes and can result in cellular transformation. Investigation of the network between microRNAs and epigenetics could lead to a better understanding of the processes involved in development and progression of urological tumors. This understanding could provide new approaches for the development of novel individualized therapies, which are adjusted to the molecular pattern of a tumor. In this review, we present an overview of microRNA-epigenetic circuits acting in urological tumors.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Chromatin / pathology
  • CpG Islands
  • DNA Methylation
  • Disease Progression
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Feedback, Physiological*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Histone Deacetylases / genetics
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Repressor Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / genetics
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Chromatin
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • MicroRNAs
  • Repressor Proteins
  • HDAC4 protein, human
  • Histone Deacetylases