MicroRNA Dynamics in Melanoma Progression
Summary
Melanoma progression is orchestrated by a complex interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors, among which microRNAs have emerged as pivotal regulators of tumour cell behaviour. These small, non-coding RNAs fine-tune the expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, thereby influencing proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Dysregulation of specific microRNAs can either drive or restrain malignant transformation through modulation of key signalling cascades, including the MAPK and PI3K–AKT pathways, and by altering the tumour microenvironment. The dynamic fluctuations of microRNA expression patterns underpin transitions from early-stage lesions to metastatic disease, contribute to resistance against targeted therapies and offer a reservoir of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Advances in high-throughput profiling have mapped distinct microRNA signatures associated with melanocytic nevi, primary melanomas and distant metastases, paving the way for microRNA-based diagnostics and combination treatment strategies aimed at restoring tumour-suppressive networks or inhibiting oncogenic microRNAs.
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MicroRNA Dynamics in Melanoma Progression publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna dynamics in melanoma progression across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
microRNA: Small non-coding RNA molecules (~21–23 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to target mRNAs.
oncomiR: A microRNA with oncogenic activity that promotes tumour initiation, progression or therapy resistance.
tumour suppressor: A gene or molecule that inhibits cell proliferation, survival or other hallmarks of cancer.
genomic integrity: The maintenance of DNA sequence fidelity and chromosomal stability to prevent mutations and aberrations.
invadopodia: Actin-rich cellular protrusions that facilitate extracellular matrix degradation and tumour cell invasion.
References
- Upregulated expression of miR-4443 and miR-4488 in drug resistant melanomas promotes migratory and invasive phenotypes through downregulation of intermediate filament nestin. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research (2023).
- Loss of miR-101-3p in melanoma stabilizes genomic integrity, leading to cell death prevention. Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters (2024).
- miR-876-3p is a tumor suppressor on 9p21 that is inactivated in melanoma and targets ERK. Journal of Translational Medicine (2024).
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