MicroRNA-223 Modulation in Cancer and Inflammation
Summary
MicroRNA-223 is a small non-coding RNA that orchestrates gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, with key roles in both oncogenesis and inflammatory responses. In cancer biology, miR-223 exhibits context-dependent functions, acting as a tumour suppressor in certain malignancies by targeting genes involved in proliferation, apoptosis and drug resistance, while in others it may promote tumour progression via distinct molecular pathways. In inflammation, miR-223 regulates innate immune cell activation, moderating neutrophil recruitment, inflammasome activity and cytokine production. Dysregulation of miR-223 has been linked to aggravated tissue injury in infectious and sterile inflammatory conditions, as well as altered sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in diverse cancer types. The dual impact of miR-223 across these domains underscores its potential both as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and as a therapeutic target to fine-tune aberrant cellular programmes driving disease.
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MicroRNA-223 Modulation in Cancer and Inflammation publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna-223 modulation in cancer and inflammation across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
microRNA: A small non-coding RNA molecule that regulates gene expression by binding target mRNAs and inhibiting their translation or stability.
Post-transcriptional regulation: Control of gene expression occurring after mRNA synthesis, including mRNA splicing, transport, stability and translation efficiency.
Inflammasome: A multi-protein complex in immune cells that activates inflammatory cytokines in response to pathogens or stress signals.
Necroptosis: A regulated form of necrotic cell death associated with inflammatory responses, distinct from apoptosis.
Extracellular vesicles: Membrane-bound particles released by cells that carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids for intercellular communication.
Oncosuppressor: A molecule that inhibits tumour development or progression, often by regulating cell cycle, apoptosis or DNA repair pathways.
References
- MicroRNA-223 Dampens Pulmonary Inflammation during Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Cells (2023).
- MiR-223-3p in Cancer Development and Cancer Drug Resistance: Same Coin, Different Faces. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- miR-223 overexpression inhibits doxorubicin-induced autophagy by targeting FOXO3a and reverses chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cell Death & Disease (2019).
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