RESUMO
BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNA) belong to the substantial class of posttranscriptional gene regulators with decisive functions in typical cellular and disease progressions. They are short RNA molecules that are not translated into proteins but bind to the complementary sites of various mRNAs, thus blocking them and leading to translational inhibition. OBJECTIVE: These miRNA molecules act as signatory molecules or biomarkers for various types of malignancies. Different miRNAs are involved in different cancer-linked pathways depending on the nature, stage, and kind of cancer. The objective of this article is to discuss and review the role and significance of various miRNAs in two of the most prominent cancers; breast and ovarian cancer. METHODS: The role of miRNAs in the instigation, propagation, and metastasis of melanoma has been elucidated. RESULTS: This article focuses on the up- and down-regulation of various miRNAs in breast and ovarian cancer, with stress on diversity in their occurrence and specificity in their threshold levels in certain types and stages of cancer, suggesting their potential role as an effective diagnostic and treatment tool for cancer. CONCLUSION: Considering all the aforementioned information, it can be concluded that miRNAs can act as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancers.