Altered expression of miR-181 affects cell fate and targets drug resistance-related mechanisms

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2019Source: Molecular Aspects of MedicineAuthor(s): Cornelia Braicu, Diana Gulei, Lajos Raduly, Antonia Harangus, Alexandru Rusu, Ioana Berindan-NeagoeAbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding transcripts which regulate genetic and epigenetic events by interfering with mRNA translation. miRNAs are involved in regulation of cell fate due to their ability of interfering with physiological or pathological processes. In this review paper, we evaluate the role of miR-181 family members as prognostic or diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets in malignant pathologies in connection with the main hallmarks of cancer that are modulated by the family. Also, we take over the dual role of this family in dependency with the tumour suppressor and oncogenic features presented in cell and cancer type specific manner. Restoration of the altered expression levels contributes to the activation of cell death pathways or to a reduction in the invasion and migration mechanism; moreover, the mechanism of drug resistance is also modulated by miR-181 sequences with important applications in therapeutic strategies for malignant cells sensitisation. Overall, the main miR-181 family regulatory mechanisms are presented in a cancer specific context, emphasizing the possible clinical application of this family in terms of novel diagnosis and therapy approaches.
Source: Molecular Aspects of Medicine - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research