Tumor Suppression or Oncogenic Role of miR-100 in Cancer; Implications for Esophageal Cancer

ABSTRACT

Esophageal cancer [EC] is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma [ESCC] constitutes the most common type of EC in Asian countries. Despite advanced surgical techniques, 5-year survival of the affected patients is very low. Therefore, identification of genetic factors and cellular regulatory pathways, including microRNAs [miRNAs], in esophageal carcinogenesis is necessary for early detection. MiRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNA about 18-24 nucleotides in length that negatively regulate gene expression. Deregulation of miRNAs was shown to have a crucial role in the pathways underlying tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Evidence indicates that aberrant expression pattern of miR-100 is associated with pathogenesis of ESCC. The function and expression pattern of miR-100 in ESCC are controversial and its effects in tumor progression has not been fully elucidated. A better understanding of molecular procedures mediated by miR-100 in carcinogenesis, may lead to the opportunity of exploring potential miR-100 based therapeutic applications. In this review, we provide an overview of miR-100, including its important regulation pathways and target genes involved in the development of cancers, emphasizing on its potential role in ESCC