Oncomirs: from tumor biology to molecularly targeted anticancer strategies

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2009 Jan;9(1):70-80. doi: 10.2174/138955709787001802.

Abstract

Deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) promotes carcinogenesis, as these molecules can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Here we provide an overview of miRNA biology, discuss the most recent findings on miRNA and cancer development/progression, and report on how tumor-related miRNAs (oncomirs) are being used to develop novel cancer specific therapeutic approaches.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • RNA, Neoplasm / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Neoplasm