Micro
ribonucleic acids (
miRNAs) are a cluster of
small non-coding RNA molecules predicted to regulate more than 30% of coding messenger (m)RNAs in the human genome and proven to be essential in developmental and
pathological processes. The miR-182 gene was first found to be abundantly expressed in sensory organs and regulates the development of the retina and inner ear. Further studies revealed its roles in osteogenesis and T cell differentiation. In addition, the involvement of miR-182 in
cancer initiation and progression has recently been uncovered by a growing body of evidence, the majority of which supports its promoting effects in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion, as well as distant
metastasis of various
cancer types. Clinical analyses demonstrated the link of miR-182 expression to poor prognosis in
cancer patients. Mechanistically, multiple downstream genes including missing-in-
metastasis, microphthalm-associated
transcription factor, FoxO1, cylindromatiosis, and others, can be targeted by miR-182 and mediate its roles in
cancer. miR-182 is also interconnected with prominent
cancer-related signaling pathways, such as
transforming growth factor beta and nuclear factor kappa beta. Interestingly, it was shown that in vivo targeting of miR-182 prevented liver
metastasis of
melanoma. miR-182 is emerging as an important regulator of
malignancies, which warrants further study to establish the application potential of miR-182 in
cancer diagnosis and treatment.