title: MicroRNAs and cancer therapeutics.
abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small physiological non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through an RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism. The expression of miRNAs is tightly controlled both spatially and temporally. Aberrant miRNA expression has been correlated with various cancers. Recent findings suggest that some miRNAs can function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. In model experiments, the cancer phenotype of some cells can be reverted to normal when the cells are treated with miRNA mimics or inhibitors. Here, we discuss in brief the potential utility of miRNA-based cancer therapy as well as the current limitations thwarting their useful clinical application.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, Department of Microbiology Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Man Lung
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Yeung
authors.forename: Kuan-Teh
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Jeang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy*; D009857:Oncogenes / Q000235:genetics; D034622:RNA Interference
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs