Emerging Role of miR-320a in Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

A specialized biomarker(s) for lung cancer is imperative owing to its high mortality. Continuing our earlier work demonstrating the role of miR-320a as a tumor suppressor, here we discuss the most recent updates on miR-320a in lung cancer pathogenesis. We found that miR-320a modulates levels of diverse cancer-associated molecules and signaling pathways, and is also involved in modulating the immune microenvironment of lung cancer during its pathogenesis. We also discuss how miR-320a encapsulated in exosomes inhibits invasive phenotypes of lung cancer. Therefore, based on the multimodal role of miR-320a in lung cancer development and progression, we believe that miR-320a may be utilized as a potential diagnostic/prognostic marker and therapeutic target for lung cancer patients.

Keywords::

• hallmarks of cancer
• lung cancer
• miR-320
• miR-320a
• miRNA

Author contributions

A Jain conceived the topic for this review. All the authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Financial disclosure

Department of Science and Technology for the DST-INSPIRE fellowship (IF180680) was awarded to U Sharma. University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, supported V Uttam in the form of Junior Research Fellowship (UGC ref. no. 191620043900) under the NFSC scheme. The authors have no other 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 apart from those disclosed.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity 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.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

Department of Science and Technology for the DST-INSPIRE fellowship (IF180680) was awarded to U Sharma. University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, supported V Uttam in the form of Junior Research Fellowship (UGC ref. no. 191620043900) under the NFSC scheme. The authors have no other 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 apart from those disclosed.