Title: Unraveling cancer's genetic tapestry: The pivotal role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis and future therapeutic horizons
Abstract:
miRNAs are noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression, inducing degradation or translational repression of mRNA. They are functionally involved in the process of carcinogenesis such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, it is important to keep in mind that they possess dual functions in cancer and hence must be evaluated accordingly. Briefly, oncomiRs generally trigger tumor growth and development through downregulating tumor supressor genes (TSG). The most prominent example in this family is miR-21, which was overexpressed in several cancers, including breast, colorectal and lung cancer, and where it showed downregulation of TSGs, like PTEN and PDCD4, leading to cell survival and proliferation stimulation. Opposite to that, miRNAs of a tumor suppressor type act as onco-gene repressors, blocking oncogenes and preventing cancer development. In that light, some miRNAs become promising biomarkers in early diagnosis and prognosis prediction and also valued tools in the struggle against cancer. Genetic and epigenetic changes at the level of mutations, deletions, gene amplification, and promoter methylation normally cause these changes in miRNA expression that lead to the development of cancer. Furthermore, it is supposed to be influenced by the tumor microenvironment as well. This represents another layer of complexity in the role of miRNA expression in cancer regulation. The interplay among miRNAs, the tumor microenvironment, and the immune response is a complexity that, once understood, may let researchers discover new strategies to enhance the body's defenses against cancer. Moreover, the study of miRNA interactions with other molecules involved in cancer pathways can reveal new opportunities for personalized medicine approaches. Since miRNAs are such powerful modulators of cancer pathogenesis, they become good therapeutic targets. Some of these therapeutic strategies using miRNAs include the induction of miRNA mimics, which replace the activity of tumor-suppressing miRNAs, and miRNA inhibitors, the antimiRs, which inhibit oncomiR activity. Studies are currently underway to use of nanoparticles and viral vectors for the delivery of such therapeutic miRNAs. Several miRNAs are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation. However, the biggest challenge to be overcome in these studies is to direct them to the right target since one miRNA can target more than one gene. The other is the exact delivery of the tissues and cells. Nevertheless, advancement in nanotechnology gives hope that these obstacles in miRNA therapies will be overcome. It's also claimed that miRNAs play a role in the development of drug resistance. It is supposed to gain from the implementation of miRNA-based therapeutics in the reversal of development of drug resistance in cancer cells and improvement of the survival rate of patients with existing treatment options. In summary, research on miRNA in cancer could help significantly in having a future of personalized medicine and more effective cancer therapy. A new approach of this kind could be the key to the pathway for the development of more effective and individually personalized treatment solutions for cancer-affected patients.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Participants will learn about the history of miRNA and cancer studies from the past to the present. They will also learn about current preclinical and clinical applications and how these applications can be further developed. This information will guide the participants on the open areas that can be studied in miRNA research in the future
- Clinicians and researchers can use this knowledge to develop personalized and effective cancer therapies
- Educators and faculty can integrate this cutting-edge research into their teaching, inspiring new projects and collaboration
- The presentation offers educational value, collaboration opportunities, and inspiration for innovation in cancer research and treatment
