MicroRNAs as Targets for Cancer Diagnosis: Interests and Limitations

Abstract

MicroRNAs are small RNAs with ability to attach to the large number of RNA that regulate gene expression on postranscriptional level via inhibition or degradation of specific mRNAs. MiRNAs in cells are the primary regulators of functions such as cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis and considerably influence cell function. The expression levels of microRNAs change in human diseases, including cancer. These changes highlight their essential role in cancer pathogenesis. Ubiquitous irregular expression profiles of miRNAs have been detected in various human cancers using genome-wide identification techniques, which are emerging as novel diagnostic and prognostic cancer biomarkers of high specificity and sensitivity. The measurable miRNAs with enhanced stability in blood, tissues, and other body fluids provide a comprehensive source of miRNA-dependent biomarkers for human cancers. The leading role of miRNAs as potential biomarkers in human cancers is discussed in this article. In addition, the interests and difficulties of miRNAs as biomarkers have been explored.

Exploring the intricate relationship between miRNA dysregulation and breast cancer development: insights into the impact of environmental chemicals

“…Several miRNAs act as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes by targeting genes associated with cancer. Between 30% and 80% of protein-coding genes have at least one binding site for miRNA, giving miRNAs the ability to control the expression of multiple mRNAs by partially binding to them ( 22 ). MiRNAs are critical for the regulation of gene expression because they specifically target mRNA and implement various post-transcriptional mechanisms, such as translation inhibition and mRNA degradation ( 23 ).…”

Methylglyoxal Affects the Expression of miR-125b, miR-107, and Oxidative Stress Pathway-associated Genes in the SH-SY5Y Cell Line

“…In addition, studies have shown that a single mRNA can be regulated by multiple miRNAs. 9,10 These processes include metabolism, neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and apoptosis, which are fundamental to the functioning of the nervous system. 11 Several studies have shown the correlation between miR-125b and mir-107 expression changes and oxidative stress.…”

microRNA-Based Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

“…Dysregulated miRNAs in cancers can serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers [ 2 , 3 ]. Extensive profiling of microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns in tumorous and adjacent non-tumor tissues has yielded abundant miRNA signatures with potential prognostic and therapeutic implications [ 4 ].…”