MiRNAs directly targeting the key intermediates of biological pathways in pancreatic cancer

Biochem Pharmacol. 2021 Jul:189:114357. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114357. Epub 2020 Dec 3.

Abstract

Pancreatic Cancer (PC) is a severe form of malignancy all over the world. Delayed diagnosis and chemoresistance are the major factors contributing to its poor prognosis and high mortality rate. The genetic and epigenetic regulations of biological pathways further complicate the progression and chemotherapy response to this cancer. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) involvement has been observed in all types of cancers including PC. The understanding and categorization of miRNAs according to their specific targets are very important to develop early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The current review, emphasizing recent research findings, has categorized miRNAs that directly target the potential onco-factors that act as central converging signal-nodes in five major cancer-related pathways i.e., MAPK/ERK, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, AKT/mTOR, and TGFβ in PC. The therapeutic perspectives of miRNAs in PC have also been discussed. This will help to understand the interplay of various miRNAs within foremost signaling pathways and develop a multifactorial approach to treat difficult-to-treat PC.

Keywords: Clinical applications; MicroRNAs; Natural compounds; Onco-targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Targeting / methods*
  • Gene Targeting / trends
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / physiology
  • MicroRNAs / administration & dosage*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators
  • MicroRNAs
  • MTOR protein, human
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases