The Biological Function of MicroRNAs in Bone Tumors.

Abstract

Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. A single miRNA is able to target hundreds of specific messenger RNA (mRNAs) by binding to the 3'-untranslated regions. miRNAs regulate different biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Altered miRNA expression is certainly related to the development of the most common human diseases, including tumors. Osteosarcoma (OS), Ewing's Sarcoma (ES), and Chondrosarcoma (CS) are the most common primary bone tumors which affect mainly children and adolescents. A significant dysregulation of miRNA expression, in particular of mir-34, mir-21, mir-106, mir-143, and miR-100, has been revealed in OS, ES and CS. In this context, miRNAs can act as either tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, contributing to the initiation and progression of bone tumors. The in-depth study of these small molecules can thus help to better understand their biological functions in bone tumors. Therefore, this review aims to examine the potential role of miRNAs in bone tumors, especially OS, ES and CS, and to suggest their possible use as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of bone tumors and as biomarkers for early diagnosis.

• Authors: Sarah Adriana Scuderi, Giovanna Calabrese, Irene Paterniti, Michela Campolo, Marika Lanza, Anna Paola Capra, Luca Pantaleo, Stefania Munaò, Lorenzo Colarossi, Stefano Forte, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Emanuela Esposito
• Journal: International journal of molecular sciences (Int J Mol Sci) Vol. 23 Issue 4 (Feb 21 2022) ISSN: 1422-0067 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 35216464 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• MicroRNAs

Topics

• Bone Neoplasms (genetics, metabolism, physiopathology)
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• MicroRNAs (metabolism)