Unveiling Role of MicroRNAs in Metastasizing Triple Negative Breast Cancer: From Therapeutics to Delivery

Curr Drug Targets. 2023;24(6):509-520. doi: 10.2174/1389450124666230308154551.

Abstract

Triple negative breast cancers are malignant, heterogeneous tumors with high histological grades, increased reoccurrence, and cancer-related death rates. TNBC metastasis to the brain, lungs, liver, and lymph nodes is a complex process regulated by epithelial to mesenchymal transition, intravasation, extravasation, stem cell niche, and migration. Aberrant expression of miRNAs, also known as a transcriptional regulators of genes, may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. In this review, we systematically elucidated the biogenesis and tumor suppressor role of miRNA in targeting distant metastasis of TNBC cells and the above-mentioned underlying mechanisms involved in complicating the disease. Apart from their therapeutic implications, the emerging roles of miRNAs as prognostic markers have also been discussed. To overcome delivery bottlenecks, RNA nanoparticles, nano-diamonds, exosomes, and mesoporous silica nanoparticle-mediated delivery of miRNAs have been contemplated. Altogether, the present review article uncovers the potential role of miRNA in antagonizing distant metastasis of TNBC cells, and highlights their clinical significance as prognostic markers and possible drug delivery strategies to enhance the likely outcome of miRNA-based therapy against the disease.

Keywords: delivery; metastasis; miRNAs; prognosis; stem cells; therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / therapeutic use
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / genetics

Substances

  • MicroRNAs