Regulation of Runx2 and Its Signaling Pathways by MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Metastasis

Abstract

As a major threat among women globally, breast cancer (BC) emerges as a primary research focus for several researchers. Although various therapeutic regimens are available, there is an increased chance of metastasis of BC cells, which raises the severity of this malignancy. Of multiple preferred secondary targets, metastasis to bone is extensively studied. Besides deemed as a bone transcription factor, Runx2 also acts as a metastatic factor that promotes growth and metastasis of BC cells. Studies have reported the significant role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in BC pathogenesis and metastasis by governing Runx2 expression. Additionally, dysregulation of the signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, Notch, and PI3K/AKT, has been observed to influence the expression of Runx2 in BC cells. In this review, we have aimed to highlight the regulatory role of miRNAs in targeting Runx2 both directly and indirectly by governing respective signaling pathways during bone metastasis of BC.

Keywords: Breast pathogenesis; non-coding RNAs; osteolytic metastasis; post-transcriptional regulation; signal transduction; transcription factor..