MicroRNA Regulation in Cancer Brain Metastasis
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that fine-tune gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, exerting critical control over each step of the metastatic cascade. In the context of brain metastasis, miRNAs influence cancer cell survival in the circulation, mediate extravasation across the blood–brain barrier, and shape the local microenvironment to favour colonisation. Dysregulation of specific miRNAs can promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, remodelling of the extracellular matrix, immune evasion and angiogenesis. Conversely, restoration of tumour-suppressive miRNAs or inhibition of oncomiRs offers avenues for targeted therapy. Beyond their mechanistic roles, circulating miRNAs in serum or cerebrospinal fluid show promise as non-invasive biomarkers to detect early dissemination and monitor treatment response. Progress in delivery technologies and miRNA-based therapeutics heralds new strategies to prevent or treat brain metastases across diverse primary cancers.
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MicroRNA Regulation in Cancer Brain Metastasis publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna regulation in cancer brain metastasis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
MicroRNA (miRNA): A short non-coding RNA that silences or degrades target messenger RNAs, regulating gene expression.
Blood–brain barrier (BBB): A selective endothelial barrier that limits the passage of cells and molecules from blood into the brain.
Extravasation: The process by which circulating tumour cells exit the vasculature to invade surrounding tissue.
Metastatic niche: A local microenvironment altered by tumour-derived factors to support secondary tumour growth.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT): A cellular programme that endows epithelial cells with enhanced motility and invasiveness.
References
- MiRNAs as new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in brain metastasis. Non-coding RNA Research (2024).
- microRNAs Orchestrate Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis: Advances in Therapy. Molecular Cancer (2020).
- MiR-423-5p in brain metastasis: potential role in diagnostics and molecular biology. Cell Death & Disease (2018).
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