MicroRNAs: Key Regulators of Oncogenesis

Aberrant expression and function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer have added a new layer of complexity to the understanding of development and progression of the disease state. It has been demonstrated that miRNAs play a momentous role in oncogenesis via regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis as oncogenes or tumour suppressors. Expression signatures of miRNAs offer exciting opportunities for crafting cutting edge strategies in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cancer. Since miRNAs can function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in the tortuous route of oncogenesis, the promise represented by using these small RNAs as therapeutic targets presents new perspectives to the landscape of cancer therapy by either inhibiting or augmenting their activity. This book devotes efforts to provide a broad framework for obtaining an in depth understanding of the state-of-the-art knowledge on abnormalities of miRNAs found to be associated with cancer pathogenesis and possible mechanisms underlying the substantial roles played by miRNAs in cancer development and progression. Also, it intends to pave the way for readers to gain novel insights into using miRNAs as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic platforms.

Preface.- Part I MicroRNAs: biology and implications in cancer.- MicroRNAs and cancer: an overview.- Epigenetics and microRNA in cancer.- MicroRNA, diet and cancer chemoprevention.- MicroRNAs and energy metabolism in cancer cells.- MicroRNAs and solid tumors.- MicroRNAs and blood cancers.- MicroRNAs and oncogenic human viruses.- MicroRNAs linking cancer and inflammation: focus on liver cancer.- MicroRNAs and regulatory pathways in tumorigenesis.- MicroRNA-modulated apoptotic and autophagic signaling networks in cancer.- MicroRNAs and cancer drug resistance and drug sensitivity.- The biological roles of microRNAs in cancer stem cells.- Part II MicroRNAs and their clinical implications.- MicroRNAs and clinical implications in cancer.- MicroRNA expression profiling and its clinical impact in breast cancer.- MicroRNAs and their clinical impact on resistance to anticancer treatment.- Nanocarriers and microRNA-based scenarios for cancer therapy.- Challenges and strategies for pulmonary delivery of microRNA-based therapeutics.- Abbreviations.- Index.