The role of microRNAs in cancer.
Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease, involving a variety of changes in gene expression and structure. Traditionally, the study of cancer has focused on protein-coding genes, considering these as the principal effectors and regulators of tumorigenesis. Recent advances, however, have brought non-protein-coding RNA into the spotlight. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), one such class of non-coding RNAs, have been implicated in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis [1]. While their study is still at an early stage, and their mechanism of action along with their importance in cancer is not yet fully understood, they may provide an important layer of genetic regulation in tumorigenesis, and ultimately become valuable therapeutic tools.
Stahlhut Espinosa
Carlos E
CE
Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. carlos.stahlhut@yale.edu
Slack
Frank J
FJ
D000818:Animals; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D015894:Genome, Human; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics; D008954:Models, Biological; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D018631:ras Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D035683:MicroRNAs; C487931:mirnlet7 microRNA, human; D018631:ras Proteins