Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key non-coding RNA post-transcriptional regulators of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and are deeply dysregulated in human cancer. A rising body of evidence indicates that miRNAs represent valuable therapeutic targets. In this light, the cluster miR-221/222 are of particular relevance, given that they are strongly upregulated in a variety of solid and hematologic malignancies.
Area covered: This review summarizes recent findings on the roles played by miR-221/222 in human cancer and their potential clinical value as promising targets for therapeutic studies.
Expert opinion: The rising body of advanced preclinical evidence on the biological significance of miR-221/222 in a variety of malignancies indicates that they will play a crucial role in the future of innovative therapeutic strategies, both as validated biomarkers and targets.
Keywords: MicroRNA; cancer; miR-221; miR-221/222; miRNA; miRNA inhibitors; myeloma; oligonucleotide-based therapy.