Abstract
Cancer is currently a major public health problem and, as such, emerging research is making significant progress in identifying major players in its biology. One recent topic of interest involves microRNAs (miRNAs) which are small, non-coding RNA molecules that inhibit gene expression post-transcriptionally. They accomplish this by binding to the 3 untranslated region (3UTR) of target messengerRNA (mRNA), resulting in either their degradation or inhibition of translation, depending on the degree of complementary base pairing. They are transcribed by RNA polymerase II and are formed into mature miRNAs via two steps, each catalyzed by a different ribonuclease III (RNaseIII). Cross-species comparisons demonstrate that miRNAs are evolutionarily conserved and play important roles in a wide array of normal biological processes. Importantly, aberrant miRNA expression is correlated with human disease, especially in the development of cancer. Recent research has identified targets and functions of miRNAs, illustrating that some are oncogenic in nature while others show tumor suppressor activity. The miRNAs have also been characterized as having high potential in the clinical arena and, as such, have been a target for exploitation toward cancer therapy. Not only has it been shown that miRNA expression profiles may prove useful as diagnostic and prognostic markers in cancer, various miRNA-based therapies show promise as well. It is anticipated that further research will elucidate the benefits of using miRNAs as clinical agents in the battle against cancer and other chronic diseases.
Keywords: microRNA, biogenesis, post-transcriptional regulation, cancer, diagnosis, prognosis, therapy
Current Genomics
Title: MicroRNA and Cancer: Tiny Molecules with Major Implications
Volume: 9 Issue: 2
Author(s): Timothy G. VandenBoom II, Yiwei Li, Philip A. Philip and Fazlul H. Sarkar
Affiliation:
Keywords: microRNA, biogenesis, post-transcriptional regulation, cancer, diagnosis, prognosis, therapy
Abstract: Cancer is currently a major public health problem and, as such, emerging research is making significant progress in identifying major players in its biology. One recent topic of interest involves microRNAs (miRNAs) which are small, non-coding RNA molecules that inhibit gene expression post-transcriptionally. They accomplish this by binding to the 3 untranslated region (3UTR) of target messengerRNA (mRNA), resulting in either their degradation or inhibition of translation, depending on the degree of complementary base pairing. They are transcribed by RNA polymerase II and are formed into mature miRNAs via two steps, each catalyzed by a different ribonuclease III (RNaseIII). Cross-species comparisons demonstrate that miRNAs are evolutionarily conserved and play important roles in a wide array of normal biological processes. Importantly, aberrant miRNA expression is correlated with human disease, especially in the development of cancer. Recent research has identified targets and functions of miRNAs, illustrating that some are oncogenic in nature while others show tumor suppressor activity. The miRNAs have also been characterized as having high potential in the clinical arena and, as such, have been a target for exploitation toward cancer therapy. Not only has it been shown that miRNA expression profiles may prove useful as diagnostic and prognostic markers in cancer, various miRNA-based therapies show promise as well. It is anticipated that further research will elucidate the benefits of using miRNAs as clinical agents in the battle against cancer and other chronic diseases.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
VandenBoom II G. Timothy, Li Yiwei, Philip A. Philip and Sarkar H. Fazlul, MicroRNA and Cancer: Tiny Molecules with Major Implications, Current Genomics 2008; 9 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920208784139555
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920208784139555 |
Print ISSN 1389-2029 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5488 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced Computational Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Pharmacogenomics
In the era of personalized medicine, understanding the relationship between genetics and drug response is crucial. This issue delves into innovative methodologies, leveraging deep computational analysis and artificial intelligence, to enhance the field of Clinical Pharmacogenomics. The interdisciplinary approach harnesses the power of advanced high-throughput genotyping technologies, sophisticated computational analysis, ...read more
Applications of Single-cell Sequencing Technology in Reproductive Medicine
Single cell sequencing (SCS) technology utilizes individual cells' genetic material to sequence their genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics at the molecular level. It offers insights into cell heterogeneity and enables the study of limited biological materials. Since its recognition as a valuable technique in 2011, single cell sequencing has yielded numerous ...read more
Big Data in Cancer Research
Cancer is a significant threat to human life and health, remaining a highly aggressive killer. It is a leading cause of death worldwide and represents a crucial medical issue for humanity. However, in the past decade, the effectiveness of new synthetic anticancer agents has not matched the current clinical speculation. ...read more
Current Genomics in Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world, in recent years we have had important advances in the interaction between cardiovascular disease and genomics. In this Research Topic, we intend for researchers to present their results with a focus on basic, translational and clinical investigations associated with ...read more
Related Journals
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Aptamers: Selection, Modification and Application to Nervous System Diseases
Current Medicinal Chemistry microRNAs, Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication and Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Breast Cancer Metastasis
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Novel Benzimidazole Derivatives: Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Properties on Lung Cancer Cell Line
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery Two Novel Heparin-binding Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Splices, L-VEGF144 and L-VEGF138, are Expressed in Human Glioblastoma Cells
Current Neurovascular Research Potential of Radiolabeled PSMA PET/CT or PET/MRI Diagnostic Procedures in Gliomas/Glioblastomas
Current Radiopharmaceuticals Statins and Protein Prenylation in Cancer Cell Biology and Therapy
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Comparative Genomic Hybridization: A Valuable Tool for Genome-Scale Analysis of Rodent Cancer Models
Current Genomics Cancer-Homing Toxins
Current Pharmaceutical Design Antitumor Activity of Magnetite Nanoparticles: Influence of Hydrocarbonated Chain of Saturated Aliphatic Monocarboxylic Acids
Current Organic Chemistry The Interactions of the 5-HT3 Receptor with Quipazine-Like Arylpiperazine Ligands. The Journey Track at the End of the First Decade of the Third Millennium
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Pharmacological Activation of Protein Phosphatase 2 A (PP2A): A Novel Strategy to Fight Against Human Malignancies?
Current Medicinal Chemistry Nano-Carriers of Combination Tumor Physical Stimuli-Responsive Therapies
Current Drug Delivery Valproic Acid As Anti-Cancer Drug
Current Pharmaceutical Design Introduction: MMPs, ADAMs/ADAMTSs Research Products to Achieve Big Dream
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Effect of Drugs in Cells and Tissues by NMR Spectroscopy
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Efficacy and Safety of Bevacizumab in Glioblastomas
Current Medicinal Chemistry Design and Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinoline Derivatives as Anti-Angiogenesis and Anti-Cancer Agents
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Pharmaceutical Strategies Enhancing Cell Penetration Efficiencies of Non-Viral Gene Delivery Systems
Current Gene Therapy Neuroprotective Properties of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha (PPARα) and its Lipid Ligands
Current Medicinal Chemistry Telomere Recombination and the ALT Pathway: A Therapeutic Perspective for Cancer
Current Pharmaceutical Design