MicroRNA-217: a therapeutic and diagnostic tumor marker

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Cancer as one of the most common causes of death has always been one of the major health challenges globally. Since, the identification of tumors in the early tumor stages can significantly reduce mortality rates; it is required to introduce novel early detection tumor markers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have pivotal roles in regulation of cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and tumor progression. Moreover, due to the higher stability of miRNAs than mRNAs in body fluids, they can be considered as non-invasive diagnostic or prognostic markers in cancer patients.

Areas covered

In the present review we have summarized the role of miR-217 during tumor progressions. The miR-217 functions were categorized based on its target molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways.

Expert Opinion

It was observed that miR-217 mainly exerts its function by regulation of the transcription factors during tumor progressions. The WNT, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways were also important molecular targets of miR-217 in different cancers. The present review clarifies the molecular biology of miR-217 and paves the way of introducing miR-217 as a non-invasive diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in cancer therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• MiR-217
• cancer
• diagnosis
• prognosis
• marker

Article highlights

• MiR-217 plays an important role as oncogene or tumor suppressor in different cancers.

• In the present review we have summarized the role of miR-217 during tumor progressions.

• The present review clarifies the molecular biology of miR-217 and paves the way of introducing miR-217 as a non-invasive diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in cancer therapy.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.