Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.8
5.6
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
MicroRNA-Based Cancer Therapy 2022
ijms-logo
Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

MicroRNA-Based Cancer Therapy 2022

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2023) | Viewed by 14325

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Hexin Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Interests: microRNA; drug delivery; tumor microenvironment; immunotherapy; chemotherapy; drug resistance; cancer stem cells; epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting mRNA translation or reducing the stability of mRNA. MicroRNA dysregulation is associated with tumor initiation, progression, recurrence, and drug resistance. Many studies have shown that the modulation of miRNAs is a novel and promising therapeutic tool in the treatment of cancer, due to their broad influence on multiple cellular processes. The property of “multi-targeting” of miRNAs is a double-edged sword in cancer treatment. On the one hand, it has the potential to kill heterogeneous cancer cells and overcome a variety of drug resistances by affecting as many targets as possible. Recent evidence has revealed that miRNAs can simultaneously regulate tumor cell growth, induce the differentiation of cancer stem cells, reverse the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and/or influence the tumor microenvironment. Identified and dissected miRNAs crossing both anti-tumor immunity and tumor cell growth will prove vital for the design of more effective and safer strategies for cancer therapy. On the other hand, simultaneously targeting many genes can cause off-target effects. Suboptimal delivery of the appropriate miRNAs to cancer sites and off-target effects have limited their clinical applications. Therefore, there is a pressing need to improve the therapeutic efficacy of miRNA modulators, while at the same time reducing their toxicities. This Special Issue attempts to collect the most recent progress made by multidisciplinary researchers in tackling the key challenges in microRNA-based cancer treatment.

Prof. Dr. Hexin Chen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microRNA
  • drug delivery
  • tumor microenvironment
  • immunotherapy
  • chemotherapy
  • drug resistance
  • cancer stem cells
  • epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 164 KiB  
Editorial
microRNA-Based Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
by Hexin Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010230 - 22 Dec 2023
Viewed by 974
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by impeding mRNA translation or stability [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNA-Based Cancer Therapy 2022)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 3459 KiB  
Article
miR-489 Confines Uncontrolled Estrogen Signaling through a Negative Feedback Mechanism and Regulates Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer
by Mithil Soni, Ozge Saatci, Gourab Gupta, Yogin Patel, Manikanda Raja Keerthi Raja, Jie Li, Xinfeng Liu, Peisheng Xu, Hongjun Wang, Daping Fan, Ozgur Sahin and Hexin Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158086 - 22 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1911
Abstract
Approximately 75% of diagnosed breast cancer tumors are estrogen-receptor-positive tumors and are associated with a better prognosis due to response to hormonal therapies. However, around 40% of patients relapse after hormonal therapies. Genomic analysis of gene expression profiles in primary breast cancers and [...] Read more.
Approximately 75% of diagnosed breast cancer tumors are estrogen-receptor-positive tumors and are associated with a better prognosis due to response to hormonal therapies. However, around 40% of patients relapse after hormonal therapies. Genomic analysis of gene expression profiles in primary breast cancers and tamoxifen-resistant cell lines suggested the potential role of miR-489 in the regulation of estrogen signaling and development of tamoxifen resistance. Our in vitro analysis showed that loss of miR-489 expression promoted tamoxifen resistance, while overexpression of miR-489 in tamoxifen-resistant cells restored tamoxifen sensitivity. Mechanistically, we found that miR-489 is an estrogen-regulated miRNA that negatively regulates estrogen receptor signaling by using at least the following two mechanisms: (i) modulation of the ER phosphorylation status by inhibiting MAPK and AKT kinase activities; (ii) regulation of nuclear-to-cytosol translocation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) by decreasing p38 expression and consequently ER phosphorylation. In addition, miR-489 can break the positive feed-forward loop between the estrogen-Erα axis and p38 MAPK in breast cancer cells, which is necessary for its function as a transcription factor. Overall, our study unveiled the underlying molecular mechanism by which miR-489 regulates an estrogen signaling pathway through a negative feedback loop and uncovered its role in both the development of and overcoming of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNA-Based Cancer Therapy 2022)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

18 pages, 690 KiB  
Review
Addressing the Clinical Feasibility of Adopting Circulating miRNA for Breast Cancer Detection, Monitoring and Management with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Platforms
by Lloyd Ling, Ahmed Faris Aldoghachi, Zhi Xiong Chong, Wan Yong Ho, Swee Keong Yeap, Ren Jie Chin, Eugene Zhen Xiang Soo, Jen Feng Khor, Yoke Leng Yong, Joan Lucille Ling, Naing Soe Yan and Alan Han Kiat Ong
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 15382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232315382 - 6 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2347
Abstract
Detecting breast cancer (BC) at the initial stages of progression has always been regarded as a lifesaving intervention. With modern technology, extensive studies have unraveled the complexity of BC, but the current standard practice of early breast cancer screening and clinical management of [...] Read more.
Detecting breast cancer (BC) at the initial stages of progression has always been regarded as a lifesaving intervention. With modern technology, extensive studies have unraveled the complexity of BC, but the current standard practice of early breast cancer screening and clinical management of cancer progression is still heavily dependent on tissue biopsies, which are invasive and limited in capturing definitive cancer signatures for more comprehensive applications to improve outcomes in BC care and treatments. In recent years, reviews and studies have shown that liquid biopsies in the form of blood, containing free circulating and exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), have become increasingly evident as a potential minimally invasive alternative to tissue biopsy or as a complement to biomarkers in assessing and classifying BC. As such, in this review, the potential of miRNAs as the key BC signatures in liquid biopsy are addressed, including the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning platforms (ML), in capitalizing on the big data of miRNA for a more comprehensive assessment of the cancer, leading to practical clinical utility in BC management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNA-Based Cancer Therapy 2022)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 881 KiB  
Review
miRNAs in Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment, Chemotherapy Resistance, Immunotherapy Modulation and miRNA Therapeutics in Cancer
by Kousain Kousar, Tahir Ahmad, Maisa S. Abduh, Balquees Kanwal, Syeda Saba Shah, Faiza Naseer and Sadia Anjum
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 13822; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232213822 - 10 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2490
Abstract
miRNAs are 20–22 long nucleotide non-coding ribonucleic acid molecules critical to the modulation of molecular pathways. Immune evasion and the establishment of a suitable tumor microenvironment are two major contributors that support tumor invasion and metastasis. Tumorigenic miRNAs support these two hallmarks by [...] Read more.
miRNAs are 20–22 long nucleotide non-coding ribonucleic acid molecules critical to the modulation of molecular pathways. Immune evasion and the establishment of a suitable tumor microenvironment are two major contributors that support tumor invasion and metastasis. Tumorigenic miRNAs support these two hallmarks by desensitizing important tumor-sensitive regulatory cells such as dendritic cells, M1 macrophages, and T helper cells towards tumors while supporting infiltration and proliferation of immune cells like Treg cells, tumor-associated M2 macrophages that promote self-tolerance and chronic inflammation. miRNAs have a significant role in enhancing the efficacies of immunotherapy treatments like checkpoint blockade therapy, adoptive T cell therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy in cancer. A clear understanding of the role of miRNA can help scientists to formulate better-targeted treatment modalities. miRNA therapeutics have emerged as diverse class of nucleic acid-based molecules that can suppress oncogenic miRNAs and promote the expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNA-Based Cancer Therapy 2022)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1159 KiB  
Review
The Features of Immune Checkpoint Gene Regulation by microRNA in Cancer
by Fatimat Kipkeeva, Tatyana Muzaffarova, Alexandra Korotaeva, Danzan Mansorunov, Pavel Apanovich, Maxim Nikulin, Olga Malikhova, Ivan Stilidi and Alexander Karpukhin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169324 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2477
Abstract
Currently, the search for new promising tools of immunotherapy continues. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence immune checkpoint (IC) gene expression in tumor and T-cells and may be important regulators of immune cells are considered. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by blocking mRNA [...] Read more.
Currently, the search for new promising tools of immunotherapy continues. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence immune checkpoint (IC) gene expression in tumor and T-cells and may be important regulators of immune cells are considered. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by blocking mRNA translation. An important feature of miRNA is its ability to affect the expression of several genes simultaneously, which corresponds to the trend toward the use of combination therapy. The article provides a list of miRNAs acting simultaneously on several ICs and miRNAs that, in addition to IC, can regulate the expression of targeted therapy genes. There is dependence of miRNA interactions with IC genes on the type of cancer. The analysis of the accumulated data demonstrates that only about 14% (95% CI: 9.8–20.1%) of the studied miRNAs regulate the expression of specific IC in more than one type of cancer. That is, there is tumor specificity in the miRNA action on ICs. A number of miRNAs demonstrated high efficiency in vitro and in vivo. This indicates the potential of miRNAs as promising agents for cancer immunotherapy. Additional studies of the miRNA–gene interaction features and the search for an optimal miRNA mimic structure are necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNA-Based Cancer Therapy 2022)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 616 KiB  
Review
The microRNA-202 as a Diagnostic Biomarker and a Potential Tumor Suppressor
by Emad A. Ahmed, Peramaiyan Rajendran and Harry Scherthan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(11), 5870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23115870 - 24 May 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2840
Abstract
MicroRNA-202 (miR-202) is a member of the highly conserved let-7 family that was discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans and recently reported to be involved in cell differentiation and tumor biology. In humans, miR-202 was initially identified in the testis where it was suggested to [...] Read more.
MicroRNA-202 (miR-202) is a member of the highly conserved let-7 family that was discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans and recently reported to be involved in cell differentiation and tumor biology. In humans, miR-202 was initially identified in the testis where it was suggested to play a role in spermatogenesis. Subsequent research showed that miR-202 is one of the micro-RNAs that are dysregulated in different types of cancer. During the last decade, a large number of investigations has fortified a role for miR-202 in cancer. However, its functions can be double-edged, depending on context they may be tumor suppressive or oncogenic. In this review, we highlight miR-202 as a potential diagnostic biomarker and as a suppressor of tumorigenesis and metastasis in several types of tumors. We link miR-202 expression levels in tumor types to its involved upstream and downstream signaling molecules and highlight its potential roles in carcinogenesis. Three well-known upstream long non-coding-RNAs (lncRNAs); MALAT1, NORAD, and NEAT1 target miR-202 and inhibit its tumor suppressive function thus fueling cancer progression. Studies on the downstream targets of miR-202 revealed PTEN, AKT, and various oncogenes such as metadherin (MTDH), MYCN, Forkhead box protein R2 (FOXR2) and Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS). Interestingly, an upregulated level of miR-202 was shown by most of the studies that estimated its expression level in blood or serum of cancer patients, especially in breast cancer. Reduced expression levels of miR-202 in tumor tissues were found to be associated with progression of different types of cancer. It seems likely that miR-202 is embedded in a complex regulatory network related to the nature and the sensitivity of the tumor type and therapeutic (pre)treatments. Its variable roles in tumorigenesis are mediated in part thought its oncogene effectors. However, the currently available data suggest that the involved signaling pathways determine the anti- or pro-tumorigenic outcomes of miR-202’s dysregulation and its value as a diagnostic biomarker. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNA-Based Cancer Therapy 2022)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop