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MicroRNA and cancer: Current status and prospective

  1. Wei Wu1,†,‡,*,
  2. Miao Sun1,
  3. Gang-Ming Zou2,
  4. Jianjun Chen1,§,*

Article first published online: 12 DEC 2006

DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22454

Issue

International Journal of Cancer

International Journal of Cancer

Volume 120, Issue 5, pages 953–960, 1 March 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Wu, W., Sun, M., Zou, G.-M. and Chen, J. (2007), MicroRNA and cancer: Current status and prospective. Int. J. Cancer, 120: 953–960. doi: 10.1002/ijc.22454

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

  2. 2

    Herman B Wells Center for Pediatrics Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN

  1. †

    Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60201, USA

  1. ‡

    Fax: +1-224-364-7402.

  2. §

    +1-773-702-3002.

*Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, ENH research Institute, 1001 University Place, Evanston, IL 60201, USA

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 19 JAN 2007
  2. Article first published online: 12 DEC 2006
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 29 SEP 2006
  4. Manuscript Received: 28 MAR 2006

Funded by

  • G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation
  • Cancer Research Foundation Young Investigator Award

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Keywords:

  • microRNAs;
  • targets;
  • oncomir;
  • tumor suppressor gene;
  • apoptosis;
  • antagomir;
  • cancer

Abstract

Gene expression in normal cells is highly regulated by complex gene regulatory networks. Disruption of these networks may lead to cancer. Recent studies have revealed the existence of an abundant class of small nonprotein-coding regulatory RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs may regulate diverse biological processes including development, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, through suppressing the expression of their target genes. Posttranscriptional silencing of target genes by miRNAs occurs either by cleavage of homologous target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), or by inhibition of target protein synthesis. Computational predictions indicate that 1 miRNA may target on hundreds of genes, and suggest that over 50% of human protein-coding genes might be regulated by miRNAs. MiRNAs are receiving increased attention in cancer genomic research. We are beginning to understand that miRNAs may act as oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes within the molecular architecture of gene regulatory networks, thereby contributing to the development of cancer. MiRNAs may provide useful diagnostic and prognostic markers for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as serving as potential therapeutic targets or tools. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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