MicroRNA: A signature for cancer progression

Biomed Pharmacother. 2021 Jun:138:111528. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111528. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally control expression of genes by targeting mRNAs. miRNA alterations partake in the establishment and progression of different types of human cancer. Consequently, expression profiling of miRNA in human cancers has correlations with cancer detection, staging, progression, and response to therapies. Particularly, amplification, deletion, abnormal pattern of epigenetic factors and the transcriptional factors that mediate regulation of primary miRNA frequently change the landscape of miRNA expression in cancer. Indeed, changes in the quantity and quality of miRNAs are associated with the initiation of cancer, its progression and metastasis. Additionally, miRNA profiling has been used to categorize genes that can affect oncogenic pathways in cancer. Here, we discuss several circulating miRNA signatures, their expression profiles in different types of cancer and their impacts on cellular processes.

Keywords: Cancer; Expression; MiRNA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Progression*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / physiology
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / physiology*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs