MicroRNA-124 Regulation in Cancer Pathophysiology
Summary
MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) has emerged as a pivotal modulator of gene expression in multiple cancer types, acting predominantly as a tumour suppressor. It governs post-transcriptional repression of oncogenic transcripts, thereby constraining cell proliferation, migration and invasive potential. In diverse malignancies—from breast and colorectal cancer to leukaemia and glioma—miR-124 expression is frequently reduced by epigenetic silencing, notably promoter methylation, or by dysregulation of upstream inflammatory pathways. Loss of miR-124 unleashes a cascade of pro-tumourigenic events, including enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, osteoclast differentiation in bone metastasis and overactivation of key signalling effectors such as STAT3, EGR1 and IL-11. Restoration of miR-124 levels in preclinical models diminishes tumour growth, impedes metastatic colonisation and sensitises cancer cells to chemotherapy. Globally, this microRNA represents both a biomarker of disease progression and a candidate for therapeutic delivery, underscoring its translational potential in personalised oncology.
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MicroRNA-124 Regulation in Cancer Pathophysiology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna-124 regulation in cancer pathophysiology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
MicroRNA (miRNA): A class of small non-coding RNAs that bind target mRNAs to inhibit translation or induce degradation.
Post-transcriptional regulation: Control of gene expression after mRNA synthesis, often via miRNA-mediated repression.
Epigenetic silencing: Heritable suppression of gene expression through DNA methylation or chromatin modification.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT): A phenotypic switch enabling epithelial cells to acquire motility and invasive traits.
Osteoclastogenesis: Differentiation of precursor cells into bone-resorbing osteoclasts, critical in metastatic bone disease.
Chemosensitivity: The susceptibility of cancer cells to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents.
References
- MicroRNA (miR)-124: A Promising Therapeutic Gateway for Oncology. Biology (2023).
- microRNA-124 inhibits bone metastasis of breast cancer by repressing Interleukin-11. Molecular Cancer (2018).
- MiR-124-3p/B4GALT1 axis plays an important role in SOCS3-regulated growth and chemo-sensitivity of CML. Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2016).
- MiR-124 Suppresses Growth of Human Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting STAT3. PLOS ONE (2013).
- microRNA-124 Inhibits Migration and Invasion by Down-Regulating ROCK1 in Glioma. PLOS ONE (2013).
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