Affiliations: [a] Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada | [b] Department of Neurosurgery, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB, Canada | Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet Avenue, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada E1A 3E9
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Pier Jr Morin, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Antonine-Maillet avenue, Moncton, NB, E1A 3E9, Canada. Tel.: +1 506 858 4355; Fax: +1 506 858 4541; E-mail: pier.morin@umoncton.ca.
Abstract: There is no debate on the relevance of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of cancer. Numerous miRNAs with oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties have been identified in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive type of brain tumor with dismal prognosis. Differential expression of these biomolecules in several cancer models makes them attractive therapeutic targets for the development of miRNA-based cancer treatments despite the hurdles associated with such an approach. In addition, systemic release of miRNAs also positions them as attractive tools for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and prognosis. This review initially looks at differentially expressed miRNAs in GBMs. Our focus will next be directed towards circulating miRNAs and how these molecules could be leveraged for cancer diagnosis as well as for the assessment of patient response to chemotherapeutic treatments. Finally, we discuss the primary strategies utilized in the development of miRNA-focused therapeutics and summarize preclinical results gathered in GBMs to date.
Keywords: Glioblastoma multiforme, microRNAs, translational control, cancer therapeutics, cancer diagnosis
