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MicroRNAs and liver cancer associated with iron overload: therapeutic targets unravelled.
- Source :
-
World journal of gastroenterology [World J Gastroenterol] 2013 Aug 28; Vol. 19 (32), pp. 5212-26. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Primary liver cancer is a global disease that is on the increase. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for most primary liver cancers and has a notably low survival rate, largely attributable to late diagnosis, resistance to treatment, tumour recurrence and metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are regulatory RNAs that modulate protein synthesis. miRNAs are involved in several biological and pathological processes including the development and progression of HCC. Given the poor outcomes with current HCC treatments, miRNAs represent an important new target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have demonstrated their role in HCC development and progression. While many risk factors underlie the development of HCC, one process commonly altered is iron homeostasis. Iron overload occurs in several liver diseases associated with the development of HCC including Hepatitis C infection and the importance of miRNAs in iron homeostasis and hepatic iron overload is well characterised. Aberrant miRNA expression in hepatic fibrosis and injury response have been reported, as have dysregulated miRNA expression patterns affecting cell cycle progression, evasion of apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. In 2009, miR-26a delivery was shown to prevent HCC progression, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Several studies have since investigated the clinical potential of other miRNAs with one drug, Miravirsen, currently in phase II clinical trials. miRNAs also have potential as biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC and to evaluate treatment efficacy. Ongoing studies and clinical trials suggest miRNA-based treatments and diagnostic methods will have novel clinical applications for HCC in the coming years, yielding improved HCC survival rates and patient outcomes.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Apoptosis
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular etiology
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular genetics
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular secondary
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular therapy
Disease Progression
Genetic Testing
Genetic Therapy
Humans
Iron Overload complications
Iron Overload genetics
Liver pathology
Liver Neoplasms etiology
Liver Neoplasms genetics
Liver Neoplasms pathology
Liver Neoplasms therapy
MicroRNAs therapeutic use
Neoplasm Invasiveness
Predictive Value of Tests
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular metabolism
Iron Overload metabolism
Liver metabolism
Liver Neoplasms metabolism
MicroRNAs metabolism
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2219-2840
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 32
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- World journal of gastroenterology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23983424
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i32.5212