title: From cell biology to immunology: Controlling metastatic progression of cancer via microRNA regulatory networks.
abstract: Recently, the study of microRNAs has expanded our knowledge of the fundamental processes of cancer biology and the underlying mechanisms behind tumor metastasis. Extensive research in the fields of microRNA and its novel mechanisms of actions against various cancers has more recently led to the trial of a first cancer-targeted microRNA drug, MRX34. Yet, these microRNAs are mostly being studied and clinically trialed solely based on the understanding of their cell biologic effects, thus, neglecting the important immunologic effects that are sometimes opposite of the cell biologic effects. Here, we summarize both the cell biologic and immunologic effects of various microRNAs and discuss the importance of considering both effects before using them in clinical settings. We stress the importance of understanding the miRNA's effect on cancer metastasis from a "systems" perspective before developing a miRNA-targeted therapeutic in treating cancer metastasis.
authors.affiliation: Yonsei University, College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jae Hyon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Usher Institute of Population Health and Informatics, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: Evropi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Theodoratou
authors.affiliation: MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas , Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: George A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Calin
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Children's Hospital , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jae Il
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Shin
keywords: Cancer; cell biology; immunology; metastasis; microRNAs