A Concise Review of MicroRNA-383: Exploring the Insights of Its Function in Tumorigenesis

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that commonly have 18-22 nucleotides and play important roles in the regulation of gene expression via directly binding to the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs. Approximately 50% of human genes are regulated by miRNAs and they are involved in many human diseases, including various types of cancers. Recently, microRNA-383 (miR-383) has been identified as being aberrantly expressed in multiple cancers, such as malignant melanoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular cancer, and glioma. Increasing evidence suggests that miR-383 participates in tumorigenic events including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis as well as drug resistance. Although downstream targets including CCND1, LDHA, VEGF, and IGF are illustrated to be regulated by miR-383, its roles in carcinogenesis are still ambiguous and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Herein, we review the latest studies on miR-383 and summarize its functions in human cancers and other diseases. The goal of this review is to provide new strategies for targeted therapy and further investigations.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Cancer; Invasion; Metastasis; Proliferation; miR-383.

Figure 1

MiR-383 Regulates Cancer Cell Proliferation. MiR-383 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation via inhibition of the expression of CCND1, CREPT, VEGF-A, and others, while it increased proliferation by inhibiting the expression of CASP2. Green arrows indicate promotion and red lines indicate suppression.

Figure 2

MiR-383 functions in cancer cell EMT, invasion, and metastasis. LDHA, ROBO3, PARP2, and other genes are regulated by miR-383 resulting in the suppression of cancer cell invasion and metastasis. MiR-383 also regulates the expression of IRF- and promotes the cell invasion and metastasis.