A step-by-step microRNA guide to cancer development and metastasis

ConclusionsThe impact and the dynamic potential of miRNAs with oncogenic or tumor suppressor properties in each stage of the multistep process of tumorigenesis, and in the adaptation of cancer cells to stress, are discussed. We propose that the balance between oncogenic versus tumor suppressive miRNAs acting within transcription factor-miRNA regulatory networks, influences both the multistage process of neoplastic transformation, whereby normal cells become cancerous, and their stress responses. The role of specific tumor-derived exosomes containing miRNAs and their use as biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis, and as therapeutic targets, are also discussed.
Source: Cellular Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research