The clinical potential of microRNAs

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that function to control gene expression. These small RNAs have been shown to contribute to the control of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis, important features related to cancer development and progression. In fact, recent studies have shown the utility o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of hematology and oncology Vol. 3; no. 1; p. 37
Main Authors Budhu, Anuradha, Ji, Junfang, Wang, Xin W
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England BioMed Central Ltd 06.10.2010
BioMed Central
BMC
Subjects
Apoptosis
Biomarkers, Tumor
Biosynthesis
Blood products
Cancer
Development and progression
Gene therapy
Genes
Health aspects
Hematology
Humans
Medical research
Methods
MicroRNA
MicroRNAs - analysis
MicroRNAs - antagonists & inhibitors
MicroRNAs - physiology
Neoplasms - diagnosis
Neoplasms - genetics
Neoplasms - therapy
Oncology
Physiological aspects
Prognosis
Review
RNA polymerase
Studies
United States
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Summary:MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that function to control gene expression. These small RNAs have been shown to contribute to the control of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis, important features related to cancer development and progression. In fact, recent studies have shown the utility of microRNAs as cancer-related biomarkers. This is due to the finding that microRNAs display altered expression profiles in cancers versus normal tissue. In addition, microRNAs have been associated with cancer progression. In this review, the mechanisms to alter microRNA expression and their relation to cancer will be addressed. Moreover, the potential application of microRNAs in clinical settings will also be highlighted. Finally, the challenges regarding the translation of research involving microRNAs to the clinical realm will be discussed.
ISSN:1756-8722
1756-8722
DOI:10.1186/1756-8722-3-37