MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) in breast cancer: From apoptosis dysregulation to therapeutic opportunities.
Pathol Res Pract
; 262: 155572, 2024 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39226804
ABSTRACT
Breast cancer, a pervasive and complex disease, continues to pose significant challenges in the field of oncology. Its heterogeneous nature and diverse molecular profiles necessitate a nuanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving tumorigenesis and progression. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has emerged as a crucial player in breast cancer development and progression by modulating apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism that eliminates aberrant cells. MiR-21 overexpression is a hallmark of breast cancer, and it is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. This miRNA exerts its oncogenic effects by targeting various pro-apoptotic genes, including Fas ligand (FasL), programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). By suppressing these genes, miR-21 promotes breast cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The identification of miR-21 as a critical regulator of apoptosis in breast cancer has opened new avenues for therapeutic intervention. This review investigates the intricate mechanisms through which miR-21 influences apoptosis, offering insights into the molecular pathways and signaling cascades involved. The dysregulation of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer, and understanding the role of miR-21 in this context holds immense therapeutic potential. Additionally, the review highlights the clinical significance of miR-21 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in breast cancer, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Breast Neoplasms
/
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Apoptosis
/
MicroRNAs
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Pathol Res Pract
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article