The therapeutic potential of microRNAs in cancer.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been uncovered as important posttranscriptional regulators of nearly every biological process in the cell. Furthermore, mounting evidence implies that miRNAs play key roles in the pathogenesis of cancer and that many miRNAs can function either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Thus, miRNAs have rapidly emerged as promising targets for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics. The development of miRNA-based cancer therapeutics relies on restoring the activity of tumor suppressor miRNAs using double-stranded miRNA mimics or inhibition of oncogenic miRNAs using single-stranded antisense oligonucleotides, termed antimiRs. In the present review, we focus on recent advancements in the discovery and development of miRNA-based cancer therapeutics using these 2 approaches. In addition, we summarize selected studies, in which modulation of miRNA activity in preclinical cancer models in vivo has demonstrated promising therapeutic potential.
Sino-Danish Breast Cancer Research Centre and Institute of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Stine B
SB
Thorsen
Susanna
S
Obad
Niels F
NF
Jensen
Jan
J
Stenvang
Sakari
S
Kauppinen
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D018716:Molecular Mimicry; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy*; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000235:genetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009857:Oncogenes
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D035683:MicroRNAs; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense