MicroRNA-99 family in cancer: molecular mechanisms for clinical applications

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNA sequences that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. The miR-99 family, which is highly evolutionarily conserved, comprises three homologs: miR-99a, miR-99b, and miR-100. Its members are under-expressed in most cancerous tissues, suggesting their cancer-repressing properties in multiple cancers; however, in some contexts, they also promote malignant lesion progression. MiR-99 family members target numerous genes involved in various tumor-related processes such as tumorigenesis, proliferation, cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. We review the recent research on this family, summarize its implications in cancer, and explore its potential as a biomarker and cancer therapeutic target. This review contributes to the clinical translation of the miR-99 family members.