MicroRNAs as potential therapeutic targets to predict responses to oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer: From basic evidence to therapeutic implication

IUBMB Life. 2019 Oct;71(10):1428-1441. doi: 10.1002/iub.2108. Epub 2019 Jul 19.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies with poor prognosis. Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is an important treatment for CRC; however, the cells develop resistance to therapy. The mechanisms underlying oxaliplatin resistance are complex and unclear. There is increasing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) (i.e., miR-34a, miR-143, miR-153, miR-27a, miR-218, and miR-520) play an essential role in tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance, by targeting various cellular and molecular pathways (i.e., PI3K/Akt/Wnt, EMT, p53, p21, and ATM) that are involved in the pathogenesis of CRC. Identifying the miRNAs that are involved in chemo-resistance, and their function, may help as a potential therapeutic option for treatment of CRC or as potential prognostic biomarker. Here, we summarized the clinical impact of miRNAs that have critical roles in the development of resistance to oxaliplatin in CRC.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; microRNA; oxaliplatin resistance; therapy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Oxaliplatin / therapeutic use*
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs
  • Oxaliplatin