Role of MicroRNAs in Prostate Cancer Pathogenesis

Clin Genitourin Cancer. 2015 Aug;13(4):261-270. doi: 10.1016/j.clgc.2015.01.003. Epub 2015 Jan 24.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor in men, and is the second highest cause of cancer mortality after lung tumors in the United States. Accumulating research indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly being implicated in PCa. miRNAs are conserved small noncoding RNAs that control gene expression posttranscriptionally. Recent profiling research suggests that miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in PCa, and these have been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, PCa stem cells, and androgen receptor pathway. All of these might provide the basis for new approaches for PCa. Here, we review current findings regarding miRNA research in PCa to provide a strong basis for future study aimed at promising contributions of miRNA in PCa.

Keywords: Androgen; Apoptosis; Cancer stem cells; Epithelial to mesenchymal transition; Metastasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / physiology
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Bone Neoplasms / genetics
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • RNA Interference
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Androgens
  • MicroRNAs