miR-155 as a Biomarker in B-Cell Malignancies

Abstract

MicroRNAs have the potential to be useful biomarkers in the development of individualized treatment since they are easy to detect, are relatively stable during sample handling, and are important determinants of cellular processes controlling pathogenesis, progression, and response to treatment of several types of cancers including B-cell malignancies. miR-155 is an oncomiR with a crucial role in tumor initiation and development of several B-cell malignancies. The present review elucidates the potential of miR-155 as a diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarker in B-cell malignancies using a systematic search strategy to identify relevant literature. miR-155 was upregulated in several malignancies compared to nonmalignant controls and overexpression of miR-155 was further associated with poor prognosis. Elevated expression of miR-155 shows potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest miR-155 as an efficient therapeutic target, supporting its oncogenic function. The use of inhibiting anti-miR structures indicates promising potential as novel anticancer therapeutics. Reports from 53 studies prove that miR-155 has the potential to be a molecular tool in personalized medicine.

Figure 1

Studies (n = 5) exploiting miR-155 as a therapeutic target using anti-miR-155 structures. PNA, peptide nucleic acid; LNA, locked nucleic acid; CLL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia; WM, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia; DLBCL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; EBV+, Epstein-Barr virus positive; EBV−, Epstein-Barr virus negative.