HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Accepted manuscript (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Santarpia, L. Articles by Calin, G. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Santarpia, L. Articles by Calin, G.

L Santarpia, Oncology - Translational Research Unit, Tuscan Tumor Institute, Florence, Italy
M Nicoloso, Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States
G Calin, Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States

Correspondence: Libero Santarpia, Email: lsantarp{at}mdanderson.org

Abstract

Several lines of evidence indicate that tumorigenesis is a complex multistep process and that most, if not all, cancers acquire the same set of functional capabilities during development and progression, albeit through various mechanistic strategies. Increasing data show an important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating various aspects of cancer biology. This review describes the role of miRNAs during the multiple steps that drive the progressive transformation of normal cells into highly malignant derivatives, outlining the role of miRNA in regulating the common hallmarks of tumorigenesis: self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to antigrowth signals, abnormal apoptosis, limitless replicative potential, induction and sustained angiogenesis, and tissue invasion and metastasis. Recent evidence suggests an important role of miRNAs in the regulation of the expression of most genes regulating and coordinating a wide variety of processes in endocrine glands. We will highlight miRNAs of potential relevance to endocrine tumors and hormone-dependent cancers. Through this overview of how miRNAs regulate multiple targets and entire pathways, we will provide insight into the potential to develop new molecular miRNA-target therapies for endocrine tumors.