MicroRNA signatures in human cancers

Nat Rev Cancer. 2006 Nov;6(11):857-66. doi: 10.1038/nrc1997.

Abstract

MicroRNA (miRNA) alterations are involved in the initiation and progression of human cancer. The causes of the widespread differential expression of miRNA genes in malignant compared with normal cells can be explained by the location of these genes in cancer-associated genomic regions, by epigenetic mechanisms and by alterations in the miRNA processing machinery. MiRNA-expression profiling of human tumours has identified signatures associated with diagnosis, staging, progression, prognosis and response to treatment. In addition, profiling has been exploited to identify miRNA genes that might represent downstream targets of activated oncogenic pathways, or that target protein-coding genes involved in cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Disease Progression
  • Genetic Markers
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • MicroRNAs