Deregulation of microRNA expression in thyroid neoplasias

Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2014 Feb;10(2):88-101. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2013.223. Epub 2013 Nov 19.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a class of powerful gene expression regulators. Acting at the post-transcriptional level, miRNAs modulate the expression of at least one-third of the mRNAs that are encoded by the human genome. The expression of a single gene can be regulated by several miRNAs, and every miRNA has more than one target gene. Thus, the miRNA regulatory circuit, which affects essential cellular functions, is of enormous complexity. Moreover, a fundamental role for miRNAs has been determined in the onset and progression of human cancers. Here, we summarize the main alterations in miRNA expression that have been identified in thyroid neoplasias and examine the mechanisms through which miRNA deregulation might promote thyroid cell transformation. We also discuss how the emerging knowledge on miRNA deregulation could be harnessed for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid neoplasias.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Down-Regulation / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / physiology
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • MicroRNAs