Epigenetic Regulation of microRNAs in Cancer: Shortening the Distance from Bench to Bedside

Autores de IIS La Fe

• Ester Alemany Cosme

  Autor

• Cora Palanca Ballester

  Autor

• Juan Sandoval Del Amor

  Autor

Participantes ajenos a IIS La Fe

• Pajares MJ
• Goni, Saioa
• Bandres E

Grupos

• Unidad de Biomarcadores y Medicina de Precisión (UBYMP)

Abstract

Cancer is a complex disease involving alterations of multiple processes, with both genetic and epigenetic features contributing as core factors to the disease. In recent years, it has become evident that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), an epigenetic factor, play a key role in the initiation and progression of cancer. MicroRNAs, the most studied non-coding RNAs subtype, are key controllers in a myriad of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the expression of miRNAs is controlled, concomitantly, by other epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, resulting in aberrant patterns of expression upon the occurrence of cancer. In this sense, aberrant miRNA landscape evaluation has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer management. In this review, we have focused on the regulation (biogenesis, processing, and dysregulation) of miRNAs and their role as modulators of the epigenetic machinery. We have also highlighted their potential clinical value, such as validated diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and their relevant role as chromatin modifiers in cancer therapy.

Keywords

• epigenetics; DNA methylation; microRNAs; cancer; biomarkers; clinical applications