MicroRNA Polymorphisms and Cancer Susceptibility
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNAs and promoting their degradation or inhibiting translation. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within miRNA genes or their target sites can alter miRNA processing, stability or binding affinity, thereby perturbing key regulatory networks. Such variations have been linked to changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastatic potential, influencing individual susceptibility to diverse cancers. Across populations and tumour types, specific miRNA polymorphisms have been associated with either increased or decreased risk, often modulating oncogenic and tumour-suppressive pathways including PI3K-AKT, Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK. Case–control studies, genome-wide scans and meta-analyses have highlighted both common and rare miRNA variants as promising biomarkers for risk stratification, early detection and potential therapeutic targeting, underscoring their global significance in precision oncology.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Large-scale analyses of precursor-miRNA SNPs across multiple cancer types have demonstrated that certain variants exert broad effects on cancer susceptibility. A comprehensive meta-analysis using cross-phenotype methods examined nine common polymorphisms in pre-miR-146a, pre-miR-196a2, pre-miR-423, pre-miR-605 and other loci in over 16 000 cases and 21 000 controls. It identified risk-altering alleles in miR-146a, miR-605 and miR-423 that significantly modulate overall cancer risk, suggesting that miRNA sequence variants can act as pan-cancer susceptibility factors. The study highlights the value of integrating data across tumour types to reveal shared genetic determinants of oncogenesis.
MicroRNA Polymorphisms and Cancer Susceptibility publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
microRNA (miRNA): A short, non-coding RNA molecule that regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally.
Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): A variation at a single nucleotide position in the genome among individuals.
Genotype: The combination of alleles an individual carries at a specific genetic locus.
Allele: One of two or more alternative forms of a gene or genetic locus.
Biomarker: A measurable indicator of a biological state or condition, used for diagnosis or risk assessment.
References
- MicroRNA sequence polymorphisms and the risk of different types of cancer. Scientific Reports (2014).
- Impact of Mir196a-2 Genotypes on Colorectal Cancer Risk in Taiwan. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Potential Impact of PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway Genes, KLF-14, MDM4, miRNAs 27a, miRNA-196a Genetic Alterations in the Predisposition and Progression of Breast Cancer Patients. Cancers (2023).
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