MicroRNA Regulation in B-Cell Lymphomas
Summary
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs, typically 20–24 nucleotides long, that modulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to complementary sequences in target messenger RNAs. In B-cell lymphomas, dysregulation of microRNA networks contributes to malignant transformation, progression and therapy resistance. Specific microRNAs may function as oncogenes (oncomiRs) or tumour suppressors, altering key pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF-κB and BCL2 family signalling. Aberrant microRNA expression can arise through chromosomal translocations, epigenetic modifications or altered biogenesis machinery. Beyond intrinsic effects on malignant B cells, microRNAs shape the tumour microenvironment by influencing immune cell recruitment, cytokine production and stromal interactions. Their stability in formalin-fixed tissues and circulation further positions microRNAs as promising diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing and single-cell profiling have revealed complex microRNA–mRNA interaction networks in subtypes such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Integration of microRNA signatures with genetic and immunophenotypic data is enhancing risk stratification and guiding the development of microRNA-targeted therapies, including antagomirs and microRNA mimics. Collectively, these insights underscore the global significance of microRNA regulation in B-cell lymphomas and its potential to inform personalised medicine approaches.
Research from Nature Portfolio
A large cohort study employed small-RNA sequencing of diagnostic biopsies from patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and non-lymphoma controls to define microRNA expression signatures linked to diagnosis, molecular subtypes, treatment response and prognosis. Bioinformatic integration of microRNA and mRNA data identified novel oncomiRs and tumour suppressor microRNAs, including deregulated clusters that coordinate cell cycle, metabolic and chromatin-modifying genes. Distinct microRNA profiles segregated patients according to outcome independently of established prognostic indices, revealing candidate biomarkers predictive of refractory disease. Network analyses uncovered microRNA-driven regulatory circuits involving transcription factors and signalling nodes such as the PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings illuminate the mechanistic underpinnings of microRNA dysregulation in DLBCL and reinforce the value of comprehensive microRNA profiling for clinical stratification and the identification of therapeutic vulnerabilities.
MicroRNA Regulation in B-Cell Lymphomas publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna regulation in b-cell lymphomas 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 by base-pairing with target mRNAs to repress translation or induce degradation.
OncomiR: A microRNA with oncogenic activity that promotes tumour initiation, progression or therapeutic resistance.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): The most common aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, characterised by rapid proliferation of large neoplastic B cells.
Tumour microenvironment: The cellular and molecular milieu surrounding malignant cells, including immune cells, stromal cells and extracellular matrix components.
Antagomir: A chemically modified oligonucleotide designed to specifically inhibit a target microRNA’s function in biological systems.
References
- MicroRNA Expression Profile in Bone Marrow and Lymph Nodes in B-Cell Lymphomas. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Tissue-Specific microRNA Expression Profiling to Derive Novel Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Subtyping of Small B-Cell Lymphomas. Cancers (2023).
- microRNA sequencing for biomarker detection in the diagnosis, classification and prognosis of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. Scientific Reports (2023).
- The Role of microRNA-155 as a Biomarker in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Biomedicines (2024).
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