MicroRNA Regulation in Retinoblastoma Pathogenesis

MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that modulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in target messenger RNAs, thus influencing translation and stability. In retinoblastoma, the most common ocular malignancy of childhood, aberrant microRNA expression contributes to tumour initiation, progression and chemoresistance beyond the canonical loss of RB1 function. Dysregulated microRNAs may act as oncogenes by repressing tumour suppressor genes or as tumour suppressors by targeting oncogenic pathways. Their impact spans key processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, often via modulation of signalling cascades including JNK/MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and DNA damage repair pathways. A deeper understanding of microRNA networks has highlighted potential biomarkers for early detection and novel therapeutic targets aimed at restoring regulatory balance within retinoblastoma cells.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have revealed that upregulation of miR-889-3p in retinoblastoma cells promotes tumour growth by directly targeting the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2). Functional assays demonstrate that miR-889-3p overexpression enhances proliferation and migration, while its inhibition suppresses these processes in vitro and reduces tumour burden in xenograft models. Mechanistically, miR-889-3p-mediated downregulation of BMPR2 leads to increased phosphorylation of key kinases in the JNK, p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways, identifying the miR-889-3p/BMPR2 axis as a promising target for therapeutic intervention.

MicroRNA Regulation in Retinoblastoma Pathogenesis publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna regulation in retinoblastoma pathogenesis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

microRNA (miRNA): Short non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally.

3′-UTR: Untranslated region at the 3′ end of an mRNA that often contains regulatory binding sites for microRNAs.

Xenograft: A model in which human tumour cells are implanted into a non-human host to study cancer growth and treatment.

Exosome: Small extracellular vesicle that transports RNA, proteins and lipids between cells.

Signalling pathway: Series of molecular interactions by which a cell responds to external or internal stimuli.

Tumour suppressor: Gene or molecule that ordinarily prevents uncontrolled cell growth and tumour formation.

References

1. miR-889-3p targeting BMPR2 promotes the development of retinoblastoma via JNK/MAPK/ERK signaling. Scientific Reports (2024).
2. Role of non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in retinoblastoma progression. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2022).
3. Tumor Suppressor miR-184 Enhances Chemosensitivity by Directly Inhibiting SLC7A5 in Retinoblastoma. Frontiers in Oncology (2019).