MicroRNA and Cancer

Dear colleagues,

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small noncoding RNAs that function as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and have important roles in almost all biological pathways, including development, differentiation, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis. Deregulated miR expression has been detected in numerous cancers, where miRs act as both oncogene and tumor suppressors. Considering their important roles in tumorigenesis, miRs have been investigated as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and as useful targets for therapeutic intervention. From a therapeutic point of view, two modalities can serve to rectify gene networks in cancer cells. For oncomiRs, a rational means is downregulation through antagomirs. Moreover, observation of pathological reduction of tumor-suppressive miRs has inspired the concept of “miR replacement therapy” to enhance the amount of these miRs, thereby restoring them to normal levels. However, the clinical applicability of miR-based therapies is severely limited by the lack of effective delivery systems. Therefore, to understand the role of this new class of regulators, we need to identify the mRNA targets regulated by individual miR as well as to develop specific, efficient, and safe delivery systems of therapeutic miRs.

This Special Issue will focus on the identification and characterization of new miR targets involved in the pathogenesis of cancer and on their role as potential biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis, and for the development of new cancer therapy, including miR delivery systems. Moreover, since p53, p63, and p73 proteins were reported to regulate the expression of several miRs, this Issue will also focus on the regulation of miR and their relationship with the p53 family members during cancer development.

Dr. Paola Tucci
Guest Editor

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