MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs 18–24 nucleotides long
and function as a post-transcriptional regulator of the expression of protein-coding
target genes. It has been proven that normally microRNAs play an important role in
various biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
Importantly, dysregulation of miRNAs is found to be involved in the pathogenesis of
various human tumors, including brain tumors. Throughout the world, the problem of
morbidity and mortality associated with brain tumors (e.g., glioblastomas multiforme
(GBM)) has occupied a leading position for many years. Modern treatment strategies
are based on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, none of these
treatments, alone or in combination, is considered effective. The data show that
miRNAs can act as both a suppressor and an oncogene of tumor growth, regulating the
processes of proliferation, tumor invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis, immune response,
metastasis, and drug resistance. While discussing recent studies targeting miRNAs to
treat neuro-oncological conditions, we will discuss the advantages and possible
limitations of miRNA-based gene therapy, the feasible methods for miRNA-based gene
delivery, and the clinical therapeutic prospects of miRNA-based gene therapy for brain
tumors.
Keywords: Brain tumors, Delivery routes, Drug, Gene, Glioma, Medulloblastoma,
Meningioma, Metastasis, miRNA, Pathogenesis, Pituitary adenoma, Targets,
Therapy.
