MicroRNAs involved in skeletal muscle development and their roles in rhabdomyosarcoma pathogenesis

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs known to fulfill various functions in tissue development, function, and pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) represents the most common soft tissue tumor in the pediatric population. miRs have been shown to play important roles in RMS pathogenesis and some of the studies suggest their potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and even therapeutic tools facilitating better management of this disease. This review summarizes current information about the role of miRs in the development of normal skeletal muscle and their deregulation in RMS.

Keywords: microRNA; myogenesis; myomirs; rhabdomyosarcoma.