MicroRNAs: regulators of cancer metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)

Chin J Cancer. 2014 Mar;33(3):140-7. doi: 10.5732/cjc.013.10094. Epub 2013 Sep 9.

Abstract

Tumor metastasis is the main cause of death in patients with solid tumors. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, in which epithelial cells are converted into mesenchymal cells, is frequently activated during cancer invasion and metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that provide widespread expressional control by repressing mRNA translation and inducing mRNA degradation. The fundamental roles of miRNAs in tumor growth and metastasis have been increasingly well recognized. A growing number of miRNAs are reported to regulate tumor invasion/metastasis through EMT-related and/or non-EMT- related mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the functional role and molecular mechanism of miRNAs in regulating cancer metastasis and EMT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • MicroRNAs