Dysregulation of microRNAs in cancer: Playing with fire

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Melo, SA (Author) Other; Esteller, M (Author) Other

Journal

Title: FEBS Letters

Vol. 585

Pages: 2087-2099

ISSN: 0014-5793

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 234 Citations

Scopus - 246 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-PQT

DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.08.009

Abstract (EN): MicroRNAs [1] have emerged as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, involved in various physiological and pathological processes. It was found that several miRNAs are directly involved in human cancers, including lung, breast, brain, liver, colon cancer and leukemia. In addition, some miRNAs may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in tumor development. Furthermore, a widespread down-regulation of miRNAs is commonly observed in human cancers and promotes cellular transformation and tumorigenesis [2-5]. More than 50% of miRNA genes are located in cancer-associated genomic regions or in fragile sites, frequently amplified or deleted in human cancer, suggesting an important role in malignant transformation. A better understanding of the miRNA regulation and misexpression in cancer may ultimately yield further insight into the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and new therapeutic strategies may arise against cancer. Here, we discuss the occurrence of the deregulated expression of miRNAs in human cancers and their importance in the tumorigenic process.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13