Title:Critical microRNAs in Lung Cancer: Recent Advances and Potential Applications
Volume: 18
Issue: 14
Author(s): Habib Zarredar, Khalil Ansarin, Behzad Baradaran, Najibeh Shekari, Shirin Eyvazi, Fateme Safari and Safar Farajnia*
Affiliation:
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz,Iran
Keywords:
Lung cancer, microRNA, oncomir, tumor suppressor microRNA, target therapy, oligonucleotides.
Abstract: Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of various genes
involved in cell growth, development and the maintenance of body homeostasis. They are closely linked to
different human diseases, particularly in cancers. Amplification and overexpression of some miRNAs that are
called ‘oncomiRs’ or down-regulation of tumor suppressor miRNAs are associated with genetic alterations that
are sufficient to drive tumorigenesis in humans. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
The high mortality rate of lung cancer is not changed even with recent advances in cancer treatment.
Several studies demonstrated that miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer that they negatively
or positively regulate gene and protein expression by acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors.
Objective: This article reviewed the current knowledge on the role of miRNAs and their target genes in lung
cancer and discussed the potential use of some miRNAs as novel therapeutic agents in lung cancer.
Method: Firstly, we collected and summarized all research and review and research articles in databases including
Scopus and PubMed. Then, we used related keywords that are important to lung cancer target therapy and
their diagnostic and prognostic values.
Results: Based on collected articles and research, recognizing critical microRNA and controlling the expression
of this microRNA by antagonist oligonucleotides like antagomiRs or anti-miRs and microRNA mimicking will
have a remarkable role in treating lung cancer.
Conclusion: Many research studies have shown that a combination of chemotherapy plus knockdown or
mimicking microRNA is effective and useful in the cancers treatment like lung cancer.
