MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets in human cancers #MMPMID24687772
Shah MY; Calin GA
Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA 2014[Jul]; 5 (4): 537-48 PMID24687772show ga
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, small, regulatory RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. Extensive research in the last decade has implicated miRNAs as master regulators of cellular processes with essential role in cancer initiation, progression and metastasis, making them promising therapeutic tools for cancer management. In this review, we will briefly review the structure, biogenesis, functions and mechanism of action of these miRNAs, followed by a detailed analysis of the therapeutic potential of these miRNAs. We will focus on the strategies presently used for miRNA therapy; discuss their use and drawbacks, and the challenges and future directions for development of miRNA-based therapy for human cancers.