miRNAs in melanoma: a defined role in tumor progression and metastasis.
The crosstalk of melanoma cells with components of the microenvironment promotes malignant cell proliferation and spread to distant tissues. Although the major pathogenetic events have already been elucidated, the mechanisms that drive the metastatic behavior of tumor cells are still undefined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that control post-transcriptional gene expression through interconnected kinases upstream of functional genes involved in tumor progression. Here, we review the biological relevance of melanoma-related miRNAs and focus on their potential role in propagating signals that may cause tumor microenvironment rearrangements, as well as disablement of the immune system and melanoma cell proliferation.
a DIMO, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology , University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' , Bari , Italy.
Francesco
F
Mannavola
a DIMO, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology , University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' , Bari , Italy.
Marco
M
Tucci
a DIMO, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology , University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' , Bari , Italy.
Claudia
C
Felici
a DIMO, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology , University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' , Bari , Italy.
Stefania
S
Stucci
a DIMO, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology , University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' , Bari , Italy.
Franco
F
Silvestris
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D063646:Carcinogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D019139:Tumor Escape; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D035683:MicroRNAs; D011494:Protein Kinases
exosomes; melanoma; metastasis; miRNA; tumor microenvironment