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miRNAs in bone metastasis

Cheung, Douglas G.; Buzzetti, Marta; Di Leva, Gianpiero

Authors

Douglas G. Cheung

Marta Buzzetti



Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bone metastasis is one of the most common forms of metastasis from a number of different primary carcinomas. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, endogenous RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression to control essential pathways, including those involved in bone organogenesis and homeostasis. As these pathways are often hijacked during bone metastasis, it is not surprising that miRNAs can also influence bone metastasis formation. Areas covered: In this review, we first summarize the major signalling pathways involved in normal bone development and bone metastasis. We will then discuss the overall roles of miRNAs in cancer metastasis and highlight the recent findings on the effects of miRNAs in bone metastasis. To this aim, we have performed a literature search in PubMed by using the search words 'miRNAs' and 'bone metastasis', selecting relevant scientific articles published between 2010 and 2016. Seminal publications before 2010 on the metastatic role of miRNAs have also been considered. Expert commentary: With the lack of current diagnostic biomarkers and effective targeted therapies for bone metastasis, the significant role of miRNAs in the regulation of bone homeostasis and bone metastasis may support the future use of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Journal Article Type Review
Acceptance Date Sep 20, 2017
Publication Date Oct 10, 2017
Journal Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Print ISSN 1744-6651
Publisher Taylor and Francis
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 12
Issue 6
Pages 451-461
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/17446651.2017.1383893
Keywords Microrna, bone homeostasis, bone metastasis, cancer, noncoding RNAs
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1080/17446651.2017.1383893