[Roles of miRNAs in gene expression regulation, apoptosis, diagnosis and treatment of cancer]

ABSTRACT

Apoptosis, as a programmed cell death, is activated in response to various stresses. Apoptosis is an active and energy need process that many mechanisms and genetic factors control it with specific programs. Apoptotic cells have specific features. Apoptosis acts in many different organic evolutionary stages. Aberrations in regulation of this process can cause many diseases, such as cancers. Different molecules, like miRNAs, have a role in apoptosis process. miRNAs, as regulatory molecules, act in abundant cellular mechanisms. Regarding their function, apoptotic related miRNAs were divided in proapoptotic and antiapoptotic groups. miRNAs target several mRNAs and also themselves were regulated by other genes. This regulatory loop between miRNAs and related genes cause complexity. miRNAs have different expression profile in normal and abnormal cells. Apoptosis and miRNA both act in different processes of tumorigenesis, metastasis and antiogenesis. miRNAs can be used as biomarkers in prevention, prognosis and prevention of different cancers. Advances in knowledge about miRNAs lead to develop new therapeutic trend. Recent researches have suggested using miRNAs involved in apoptosis in the treatment of cancers