Insight into the Role of the miR-584 Family in Human Cancers

Abstract

Among the non-coding RNAs, the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is well described in the oncology field. It is clear that the altered expression of miRNAs is crucial for a variety of processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, motility, angiogenesis and metastasis insurgence. Considering these aspects, RNA-based therapies and the use of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis are underlined as promising opportunities against cancer death. In the era of precision medicine, significant progress in next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques has broadened knowledge regarding the miRNAs expression profile in cancer tissues and in the blood of cancer patients. In this scenario, pre-clinical and clinical studies suggested that the members of the miR-584 family, i.e., miR-584-5p and -3p, are prominent players in cancer development and progression. Under some conditions, these miRNAs are under-expressed in cancer tissues acting as tumor suppressors, while in other conditions, they are overexpressed, acting as oncogenes increasing the aggressive behavior of cancer cells. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview on the expression, upstream genes, molecular targets and signaling pathways influenced by the miR-584 family (i.e., miR-584-3p and -5p) in various human solid and hematological cancers. To achieve this goal, 64 articles on this topic are discussed. Among these articles, 55 are focused on miR-584-5p, and it is outlined how this miRNA could be used in future applications as a potential new therapeutic strategy and diagnostic tool.