MicroRNAs: novel players in cancer diagnosis and therapies

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:959461. doi: 10.1155/2014/959461. Epub 2014 Jul 2.

Abstract

First discovered in 1993, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been one of the hottest research areas over the past two decades. Oftentimes, miRNAs levels are found to be dysregulated in cancer patients. The potential use of miRNAs in cancer therapies is an emerging and promising field, with research finding miRNAs to play a role in cancer initiation, tumor growth, and metastasis. Therefore, miRNAs could become an integral part from cancer diagnosis to treatment in future. This review aims to examine current novel research work on the potential roles of miRNAs in cancer therapies, while also discussing several current challenges and needed future research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / biosynthesis*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs