MicroRNAs-Based Nano-Strategies as New Therapeutic Approach in Multiple Myeloma to Overcome Disease Progression and Drug Resistance

Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Apr 27;21(9):3084. doi: 10.3390/ijms21093084.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, or miRs) are single-strand short non-coding RNAs with a pivotal role in the regulation of physiological- or disease-associated cellular processes. They bind to target miRs modulating gene expression at post-transcriptional levels. Here, we present an overview of miRs deregulation in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM), and discuss the potential use of miRs/nanocarriers association in clinic. Since miRs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, strategies based on their inhibition and/or replacement represent the new opportunities in cancer therapy. The miRs delivery systems include liposomes, polymers, and exosomes that increase their physical stability and prevent nuclease degradation. Phase I/II clinical trials support the importance of miRs as an innovative therapeutic approach in nanomedicine to prevent cancer progression and drug resistance. Results in clinical practice are promising.

Keywords: exosomes; lipid-based nanocarriers; microRNAs; multiple myeloma; polymer-based nanocarriers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics*
  • Exosomes
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Humans
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Liposomes
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Nanotechnology* / methods
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • RNAi Therapeutics* / methods

Substances

  • Lipids
  • Liposomes
  • MicroRNAs
  • Polymers