The emerging roles of microRNAs in cancer metabolism

Cancer Lett. 2015 Jan 28;356(2 Pt A):301–8. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.10.011.

Abstract

The major goal of cancer therapy is to destroy cancer cells without harming normal cells. However, because cancer cells have incredible heterogeneity and adaptability, it is difficult to target them therapeutically. Metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a common feature of cancer. Ever since microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to influence metabolism, researchers have been trying to address the connection between cancer cells and specific miRNAs. Many of the well-known miRNAs relate to crucial genes that can impact metabolic pathways, both negatively and positively. With a better understanding of how different pathways are affected, the roles of miRNAs will be more transparent, which could lead to the discovery of new ideas about the concept of tumorigenesis and other cancer-related topics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Citric Acid Cycle / genetics
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Glycolysis / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • MicroRNAs
  • Glucose