MicroRNA Regulation in Cancer: Insights into Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment

Pharmacy Practice

  • Ibtihaj Alrehaili1College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia.
  • Norah Alrashoud2College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Rawaeb Almutairi3Pharmacy Administration Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Lama Alqahtani4College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Nour Alhatm4College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Aseelah Almutairi5Department of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
  • Asma Alghamdi6Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia.
  • Azhar Barnawi7Department of Public Health and Health Informatics, College of Health Promotion and Education, University of Umm Al-Qura, Makkah, KSA.
  • Kharsan Alyami8Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacist at New Najran General Hospital, Saudi Arabia.
  • Hanin Alghamdi9Department of Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia.
  • Jamilah Algasem10General Nursing Department, MOH, Abha, KSA.
  • Reham Alshahrani11Family Medicine Specialist, MOH, Abha, KSA.
  • Lubna Aljaddua12Department of Pharmacy, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, KSA.
  • Mozoun Alahmari13Family Medicine Consultant, MOH, Abha, KSA.
  • Lama Alqahtani14Pharmacist at Dr. Sulaiman Alhabib Hospital-Arrayan, Riyadh, KSA.

Volume 23 Issue 4 Pages 1-17

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2025.4.3205

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny, non-coding RNA molecules that are pivotal in regulating cell growth, development, cell cycle, and programmed cell death. Alterations in miRNA expression, caused by various mechanisms such as amplification, deletion, mutation, or epigenetic changes, can lead to either an increase or decrease in their levels in cancerous cells. Since their initial discovery in 1993, a wealth of research has established miRNAs as key players in oncogenesis and tumor suppression across various human cancers. The study of miRNAs is critical for predicting cancer outcomes and aiding in its detection. Numerous miRNAs have demonstrated potential as markers for cancer prognosis and diagnosis, as well as targets for therapy. Their profound influence on tumor development and spread is becoming increasingly acknowledged. This article presents a summary of how miRNAs are synthesized and generated, and explores their dual function as tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Additionally, we delve into the promising applications of miRNAs as instruments for cancer diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and therapeutic intervention.

Keywords

  • Oncogenesis
  • microRNA regulation
  • molecular mechanisms
  • prognostic biomarkers
  • therapeutic targets
Pharmacy Practice

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