microRNA regulation of cell viability and drug sensitivity in lung cancer.
BACKGROUND
microRNAs (miRNAs) are 19 - 23 nucleotide long RNAs found in multiple organisms that regulate gene expression and have been shown to play important roles in tumorigenesis. In the context of lung cancer, numerous studies have shown that tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes that play crucial roles in lung tumor development and progression are targets of miRNA regulation. Manipulation of miRNA levels that modulate lung cancer cell survival and drug sensitivity can therefore provide novel therapeutic targets and agents.


METHODS
Here, the authors review the published in vitro, in vivo and preclinical studies on the functional role of miRNAs in modulating lung cancer cell viability and drug response, and discuss the limitations and promise of translating current findings into miRNA-based therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
Although many miRNAs have been identified as potent regulators of cell viability and drug sensitivity in lung cancer, most of them have not been characterized for potential clinical application. Further study is warranted to evaluate translation of the current findings to the clinic to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. In addition, most studies have focused on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is therefore important to raise interest in investigating miRNAs in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) as well as in comparative studies of miRNA expression and function in different histological subtypes of lung cancer.
Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
Liqin
L
Du
Alexander
A
Pertsemlidis
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D035683:MicroRNAs