Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that function as endogenous posttranscriptional silencers of target genes. miRNAs are expressed in a tissue specific manner and play important roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation during animal development. Recent studies have shown a distinct connection between aberrant expression of miRNAs and the development of cancer, suggesting that miRNAs can be potential therapeutic targets. Our recent study has shown that some miRNAs are controlled by epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and histone modification in human cancer cells. Activation of tumor suppressor miRNAs by chromatin modifying drugs may cause downregulation of target oncogenes and could be a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of human cancer.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2220-2222 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Cell Cycle |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue number | 19 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 Oct 1 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- DNA methylation
- Epigenetic therapy of cancer
- Histone modification
- MicroRNA
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology