INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF
PharmacoGenetics
New understanding of the reciprocal link between microRNA expression and epigenetic changes in human lung cancer
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Habib Ghaznavi,1 Milad Shirvaliloo,2 Roghayeh Sheervalilou,3,*
1. Zahedan University of Medical Sciences
2. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
3. Zahedan University of Medical Sciences
- Introduction: Lung cancer remains a primary cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Despite significant advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind its development, improvements in mortality rates have been modest. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, evolutionarily conserved, non-coding RNA molecules crucial for various biological processes, including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and differentiation. These miRNAs hold promise as novel biomarkers, playing vital roles in normal lung tissue development. However, abnormal miRNA expression profiles can contribute to lung tumorigenesis.
- Methods: This review will explore the regulatory interplay between miRNA expression and epigenetic modifications. Specifically, we will discuss how epigenetics influences the miRNome (the complete set of miRNAs in a cell) and, conversely, how epi-miRNAs (miRNAs that control the epigenome) regulate the epigenome in human lung cancer.
- Results: Similar to protein-coding genes, miRNA expression and function are intricately regulated by various factors, including the epigenetic network, encompassing DNA methylation and histone modifications. Interestingly, miRNAs can also directly influence the activity of key enzymes involved in epigenetic modifications, thereby significantly impacting cell biology.
- Conclusion: A deeper understanding of this reciprocal connection between miRNAs and the epigenome is crucial for developing innovative miRNA-based diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies for human lung cancer in the future.
- Keywords: microRNA expression, epigenetic changes, human lung cancer
