Title:MicroRNAs Used in Combination with Anti-Cancer Treatments Can Enhance Therapy Efficacy
VOLUME: 15 ISSUE: 13
Author(s):Maddalena Mognato and Lucia Celotti
Affiliation:Department of Biology, School of Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Keywords:Apoptosis, Cell cycle checkpoints, DNA-Damage Response, DNA Repair, microRNAs, Tumor resistance.
Abstract:MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a recently discovered class of small non-coding RNAs, constitute a promising
approach to anti-cancer treatments when they are used in combination with other agents. MiRNAs are evolutionarily
conserved non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression by binding to the complementary sequence in the
3’-untranslated region (UTR) of target genes. MiRNAs typically suppress gene expression by direct association with
target transcripts, thus decreasing the expression levels of target proteins. The delivery to cells of synthetic miRNAs that
mimic endogenous miRNA targeting genes involved in the DNA-Damage Response (DDR) can perturb the process,
making cells more sensitive to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This review examines how cells respond to combined
therapy and it provides insights into the role of miRNAs in targeting the DDR repair pathway when they are used in
combination with chemical compounds or ionizing radiation to enhance cellular sensitivity to treatments.
