Keywords
Cancer
Treatment
Submitted : 2024-08-26
Accepted : 2024-09-10
Published : 2024-09-25
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, 19–25 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression. miRNAs are involved in various cellular, biological, and pathological activities, including the development and progression of malignant tumors. Numerous studies have highlighted the significant roles of miRNA deregulation in various cancer types, involving critical pathways such as gene deletions and amplifications, abnormal epigenetic changes, and dysfunctional miRNA regulatory systems. miRNAs can function both as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in different contexts. Several cancer hallmarks are associated with deregulated miRNAs, including resistance to cell death, metastasis, sustained proliferative signaling, promotion of angiogenesis, and the suppression of growth factors. Recent research has demonstrated that miRNAs contribute to drug resistance in tumor cells by targeting genes linked to drug resistance or by influencing genes that regulate the cell cycle, apoptosis, and proliferation. A single miRNA often has tissue-specific regulatory functions and can affect multiple genes. Various miRNA types have been identified as potential biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and critical targets for novel therapeutic approaches. This review aims to explore the role of miRNAs in cancer progression, metastasis, and potential therapeutic interventions.
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