MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small endogenous noncoding RNAs and their altered expression has been associated with various cellular functions, including cell development, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, signal transduction, tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Accumulating evidence has indicated that miRNA (miR)-150 plays an essential regulatory role in normal hematopoiesis and tumorigenesis; therefore, miR-150 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in the diagnosis and treatment of various malignancies. The aim of the present review was to summarize the current knowledge on the functions and regulatory mechanism of miR-150 as an oncogene or tumor suppressor gene in solid tumors. In addition, its potential application as a tumor biomarker, targeted therapeutic strategy and index of prognosis in various cancer types was investigated.
Keywords: anti-oncogene; microRNA-150; oncogene; solid cancer.