Role and mechanism of miR-211 in human cancer

Abstract

MircoRNA (miRNA), which are a group of small, and highly conserved non-coding RNA consisting of 18-25 nucleotides, can modulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level, through complementary binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of numerous target genes. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs play critical roles in tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. Among them, miR-211 has been extensively studied in multiple cancers. The expression of miR-211 significantly varies with cancer types and may be used as a potential prognostic marker for cancer. MiR-211 can regulate multiple biological processes in cancer, including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and drug resistance. Additionally, several factors may contribute to the dysregulation of miR-211 in cancer. Consequently, this review aims to discuss the novel findings that highlight latent value of miR-211 in the prognosis assessment and treatment of cancer.

Figure 1

The miR-211 regulates EMT in cancer cells. By targeting various molecules, miR-211 inhabits the process of the EMT; thus, inhibiting the migration and invasion of cancer cells. EMT: epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Figure 2

Apart from the EMT, miR-211 regulates cell migration and invasion in cancers through other pathways. By targeting BRN2, SPARC, SOX11, among others, miR-211 suppresses cell migration and invasion in cancers. In contrary, miR-211 promotes cell migration and invasion in cancers by targeting SRCIN1, EPHB6 and VHL.

Figure 3

MiR-211 regulates the sensitivity of cancer cells to the chemotherapy. MiR-211 enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to the chemotherapy through the inhibition of Ezrin, TDP1, HMGA2, HOXC8 and RRM2.

Figure 4

MiR-211 regulates cell cycle progression in cancers via various signaling pathways. MiR-211 suppresses cell cycle progression through regulating SOX11, CDK6, Cyclin D1, P53, P21 and c-PARP. In contrary, miR-211 promotes cell cycle progression by inhibiting CDK6.