MiRNAs as Promising Therapeutic Targets for Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death and is the malignancy most frequently diagnosed in females worldwide. BC incidence is predicted to continue increasing worldwide. Without interventions, annual new cases will reach over 3 million by 2030. Genetic abnormalities account for almost 70% of all BC cases worldwide. Biological pathways implicated include non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. They can function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes, and their role depends on the specific miRNA and target genes affected. The research on miRNA-based cancer treatments has yielded promising results. Depending on recent data, the goal of this review was to summarize the mechanisms that explain the role of some miRNAs in BC pathogenesis and drug resistance. However, highlighting the areas needing further exploration and more research is required before using microRNAs in clinical settings.