EGFR signaling pathway and related-miRNAs in age-related diseases: The example of miR-221 and miR-222

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Teixeira, AL (Author) Other; Gomes, M (Author) Other; Medeiros, R (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Frontiers in Genetics

Vol. 21

ISSN: 1664-8021

Publisher: Frontiers Media

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 38 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-AAK

DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00286

Abstract (EN): Presently, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer are the most clinically problematic age-related diseases worldwide. Although being distinct disorders, their developments share common cellular mechanisms. Oncogenesis and neurodegeneration arise from the deregulation of signaling pathways, as a consequence of the resulting imbalance in cellular homeostasis. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to an important cellular signaling pathway, which regulates proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle and migration. As transcriptional targets of EGFR, the microRNAs-221/222 (miR-221/222) are important expression regulators. Dysfunctions in their networks are associated with cellular disruptions. The transcriptional activation of these microRNAs (miRNAs) seems to be involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, metastization, and in the acquisition of resistance to therapies. The up-regulation of miR-221/222 is associated with increased expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and repression of cell cycle inhibitors, which are key molecules in oncogenesis and neurodegeneration processes. The interaction loop between proliferative signaling pathways and miRNA expression could reveal new targets for controlling the molecular behavior of age-related diseases. © 2012 Teixeira, Gomes and Medeiros.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific