Smoking and microRNA dysregulation: a cancerous combination

Trends Mol Med. 2014 Jan;20(1):36-47. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2013.10.005. Epub 2013 Nov 13.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional gene regulators that are differentially expressed in several pathophysiological conditions including cancer. They impact the disease course by modulating an array of putative target gene(s). Interestingly, there is a strong correlation between the various miRNAs target(s) and the smoking-regulated genes in cancer. This review article provides an insight into the current status of smoking-induced miRNAs and their genetic/epigenetic regulation in smoking-associated cancers, with a major focus on lung cancer (LC). Furthermore, it discusses the role of miRNAs in smoking-mediated oncogenic events in cancer and explores the diagnostic/prognostic potential of miRNA-based biomarkers and their efficacy as therapeutic targets.

Keywords: cancer; diagnostic; epigenetics; miRNA; signaling; smoking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / etiology
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Radiation Tolerance / genetics
  • Signal Transduction
  • Smoking / adverse effects*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs