title: The emerging role of microRNAs in drug responses.
abstract: In recent years, pharmacogenomic research has begun to integrate genetics, gene expression and pharmacological phenotypes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), 21- to 25-nucleotide, non-coding RNAs that are present in almost all metazoan genomes, are a class of gene regulators that downregulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Experimental evidence for the role of miRNAs in regulating pharmacology-related genes and drug responses is increasing. Given the universal roles of miRNAs in various diseases, including cancer, miRNAs (eg, chemotherapy) are anticipated to have potential therapeutic effects in various diseases. The incorporation of miRNAs into pharmacogenomic research could provide improved insight into drug responses. However, more studies are necessary to evaluate the effects of these molecules in patients.
authors.affiliation: The University of Chicago, Department of Medicine and Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, 900 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: M Eileen
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Dolan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D010597:Pharmacogenetics; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D035683:MicroRNAs