title: Current status of miRNA-targeting therapeutics and preclinical studies against gastroenterological carcinoma.
abstract: Expanding knowledge about the crucial roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in human diseases has led to the idea that miRNAs may be novel, promising therapeutic targets against various pathological conditions. The recent success of a human clinical trial using anti-miR-122 oligonucleotides against chronic hepatitis C virus has paved the way for this approach. In this review, we summarize briefly the current status of clinical trials of miRNA-targeting therapy and several representative preclinical trials against hepato-gastrointestinal carcinoma. In addition, we describe the currently available technologies for modification and delivery of oligonucleotides, which are essential in providing efficient, specific and safe approaches to targeting miRNAs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan.
authors.forename: Chikako
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shibata
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan ; Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012 Japan.
authors.forename: Motoyuki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Otsuka
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan.
authors.forename: Takahiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kishikawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan.
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yoshikawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan.
authors.forename: Motoko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ohno
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan.
authors.forename: Akemi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Takata
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan.
authors.forename: Kazuhiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koike
keywords: Locked nucleic acids; MicroRNA; Miravirsen; Therapeutics