The Importance of microRNAs in RAS Oncogenic Activation in Human Cancer

Roberta Roncarati; Laura Lupini; Ram C Shankaraiah; Massimo Negrini

doi:10.3389/fonc.2019.00988

The Importance of microRNAs in RAS Oncogenic Activation in Human Cancer

Front Oncol. 2019 Sep 27:9:988. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00988. eCollection 2019.

Authors

Roberta Roncarati^{1

2}, Laura Lupini¹, Ram C Shankaraiah¹, Massimo Negrini¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
² CNR, Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research, National Research Council of Italy, Milan, Italy.

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by modulating the translation of protein-coding RNAs. Their aberrant expression is involved in various human diseases, including cancer. Here, we summarize the experimental pieces of evidence that proved how dysregulated miRNA expression can lead to RAS (HRAS, KRAS, or NRAS) activation irrespective of their oncogenic mutations. These findings revealed relevant pathogenic mechanisms as well as mechanisms of resistance to target therapies. Based on this knowledge, potential approaches for the control of RAS oncogenic activation can be envisioned.

Keywords: MAPK; RAS; cancer; microRNA; target therapies.

Publication types

Review