MicroRNA in lung cancer: role, mechanisms, pathways and therapeutic relevance

Mohammad Askandar Iqbal, Shweta Arora, Gopinath Prakasam, George A. Calin, Mansoor Ali Syed

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

293 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lung cancer is the cardinal cause of cancer-related deaths with restricted recourse of therapy throughout the world. Clinical success of therapies is not very promising due to - late diagnosis, limited therapeutic tools, relapse and the development of drug resistance. Recently, small ∼20–24 nucleotides molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) have come into the limelight as they play outstanding role in the process of tumorigenesis by regulating cell cycle, metastasis, angiogenesis, metabolism and apoptosis. miRNAs essentially regulate gene expression via post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA. Nevertheless, few studies have conceded the role of miRNAs in activation of gene expression. A large body of data generated by numerous studies is suggestive of their tumor-suppressing, oncogenic, diagnostic and prognostic biomarker roles in lung cancer. They have also been implicated in regulating cancer cell metabolism and resistance or sensitivity towards chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Further, miRNAs have also been convoluted in regulation of immune checkpoints – Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1). These molecules play a significant role in tumor immune escape leading to the generation of a microenvironment favouring tumor growth and progression. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the expression of miRNA and understand its relevance in lung cancer and development of anti-cancer strategies (anti – miRs, miR mimics and micro RNA sponges). In view of the above, the role of miRNA in lung cancer has been dissected and the associated mechanisms and pathways are discussed in this review.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3-20
Number of pages18
JournalMolecular Aspects of Medicine
Volume70
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2019

Keywords

  • Immune checkpoint regulation
  • Lung cancer
  • Non small cell lung cancer
  • miRNA
  • miRNA therapeutics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical Biochemistry

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