Classical and noncanonical functions of miRNAs in cancers

Mihnea P. Dragomir, Erik Knutsen, George A. Calin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

89 Scopus citations

Abstract

Alterations in microRNAs (miRNAs) expression are causative in the initiation and progression of human cancers. The molecular events responsible for the widespread differential expression of miRNAs in malignancy are exemplified by their location in cancer-associated genomic regions, epigenetic mechanisms, transcriptional dysregulation, chemical modifications and editing, and alterations in miRNA biogenesis proteins. The classical miRNA function is synonymous with post-transcriptional repression of target protein genes. However, several studies have reported miRNAs functioning outside this paradigm and some of these novel modes of regulation of gene expression have been implicated in cancers. Here, we summarize key aspects of miRNA involvement in cancer, with a special focus on these lesser-studied mechanisms of action.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)379-394
Number of pages16
JournalTrends in Genetics
Volume38
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2022

Keywords

  • cancer
  • germline and somatic mutations
  • miRNA
  • miRNA mimicry
  • non-canonical functions
  • pri- and pre-miRNA regulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics

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