MicroRNAs and cancer

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small sequences of RNA, 21 to 22 nucleotides long, that have been discovered recently. They are produced from areas of the human genome that were previously thought to have no function. These sequences now appear to be important in the regulation of many fundamental processes. Evidence has recently emerged that deregulated miRNA activity is associated with human cancers.

Methods: The English literature was searched using PubMed for publications relevant to miRNAs and cancer. Relevant references from identified publications were also sourced. These publications were reviewed to identify existing evidence for the role of miRNAs in cancer.

Results: miRNAs inhibit the translation of mRNA from many target genes involved in cancer development. This leads to changes in the levels of protein encoded by these target genes and drives the development of cancer. The genes that produce miRNAs are frequently located in regions of the genome that are either lost, or amplified, in cancer cells.

Conclusion: Determination of the miRNA expression profile in cancer tissues should lead to a better understanding of the genetic pathways involved in tumour development.