Title:The Role of microRNAs in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma - A Short Review
VOLUME: 1 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Kelly W. Sheff, Mir A. Hoda, Balazs Dome, Balazs Hegedus, Walter Klepetko and Glen J. Weiss
Affiliation:445 N. Fifth St. Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Keywords:Biomarker, malignant pleural mesothelioma, microRNA, miRNA expression, Mesothelioma, smoking, leukemia cells, fragile, histopathologically, tomography.
Abstract:MicroRNAs are a class of small, non-coding RNAs that can function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes by
regulating gene expression. This link was first reported in 2004, and has since been tied to a variety of malignancies, including
malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). MPM is a malignancy arising in the mesothelial cells lining the lung
pleura and is associated with chronic asbestos exposure. Despite the possibility for observing declining localized occurrence,
global MPM is predicted to remain constant or increase slightly over the next decade. Global occurrence in combination
with poor overall survival, difficulty in diagnosis, and limited effective treatment options signal the need for further
exploration of miRNA involvement in MPM. Accordingly, this review highlights miRNA profiles associated with the diagnosis,
prognosis, and therapeutic approaches in MPM.
