Emerging role of microRNAs in prostate cancer: implications for personalized medicine.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. Recent findings indicate that miRNAs are dysregulated in human tumors, suggesting a potential role for these molecules in the pathogenesis of cancer. Thus far, only a limited number of studies have investigated miRNA expression in prostate cancer. Results from these studies indicate that miRNA expression profiles may distinguish carcinoma from non-neoplastic specimens and further classify tumors according to androgen dependence. In addition, a prognostic significance was attributed to specific miRNAs as predictors of clinical recurrence following radical prostatectomy. For a handful of miRNAs, for which a widespread dysregulation in prostate cancer was consistently found, functional investigation has been pursued in prostate cancer experimental models to establish the rationale for the development of miRNA-based therapies. A better understanding of the role exerted by specific miRNAs in the development and progression of prostate cancer is needed, as is a precise definition of their targets relevant to the disease. However, based on available findings, a possible role for miRNAs in the management of prostate cancer as novel biomarkers and new therapeutic targets or intervention tools can be envisioned.
Gandellini
Paolo
P
Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy.
Folini
Marco
M
Zaffaroni
Nadia
N
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000502:physiology*; D057285:Precision Medicine; D011379:Prognosis; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy
D035683:MicroRNAs; C534425:MIR205, human