Objective: To discuss the novel biomarkers of microRNAs in prostate cancer.
Data sources: The literatures about microRNAs and prostate cancer cited in this review were obtained mainly from Pubmed published in English from 2004 to 2012.
Study selection: Original articles regarding the novel role of microRNAs in prostate cancer were selected.
Results: MicroRNAs play an important role in prostate cancer such as cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. Especially microRNAs correlate with prostate cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs), drug sensitivity, cancer microenvironment, energy metabolism, androgen independence transformation, and diagnosis prediction.
Conclusions: MicroRNAs are involved in various aspects of prostate cancer biology. The role of microRNA in the initiation and development of prostate cancer deserves further study.