MicroRNAs in breast cancer research: Progress and promise

Abstract

Over the years, remarkable progress has been made in regards to our understanding of breast cancer biology and consequently the development of novel treatments. One idea that has proven to be immensely valuable is the use of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and even for treatment. The miRNAs are short RNA molecules that are able to post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of genes at multiple levels. Past and current research has continued to classify miRNAs as either highly or rarely expressed in cancer cells in relation to their normal non-cancerous counterparts. This classification is also used to organize the various miRNAs as either tumor suppressing or oncogenic. For example, aberrant expression of certain miRNAs is widely accepted to signify different stages of cancer. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of the role of miRNAs in cancer, while enlightening the readers with the role of specific miRNAs in breast cancer development and progression, and their exploitation for designing innovative therapeutic strategies.