Is miR therapeutic targeting still a miRage?

Abstract

Since the discovery of the first microRNA (miR), almost three decades ago, the roles played by miRs under normal and diseased settings have been widely investigated. miRs are found to play crucial roles in cancer initiation and progression, as well as towards therapy response mechanisms. Therefore, they are relevant and attractive targets for therapeutic development. Many preclinical studies have demonstrated their promise as future anti-cancer tools. Recently, increasing number of early phase clinical trials have emerged. In this Commentary, we will summarize the major discoveries within the miR research field and highlight the status quo of current miR-therapeutics, which has prominent potential of impacting future cancer regimens given their massive dysregulation in oncogenic processes.