MicroRNA-mediated redox regulation modulates therapy resistance in cancer cells: clinical perspectives

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most common types of cancer therapy. The development of chemo/radio-resistance remains, however, a major obstacle. Altered redox balances are among of the main factors mediating therapy resistance. Therefore, redox regulatory strategies are urgently needed to overcome this problem. Recently, microRNAs have been found to act as major redox regulatory factors affecting chemo/radio-resistance. MicroRNAs play critical roles in regulating therapeutic resistance through the regulation of antioxidant enzymes, redox-sensitive signaling pathways, cancer stem cells, DNA repair mechanisms and autophagy. Conclusions: Here, we summarize current knowledge on microRNA-mediated redox regulatory mechanisms underlying chemo/radio-resistance. This knowledge may form a basis for a better clinical management of cancer patients.