MicroRNAs Can Influence Ovarian Cancer Progression by Dysregulating Integrin Activity

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that affects thousands of women worldwide. Integrins, transmembrane receptors that mediate cell adhesion and signaling, play important roles in ovarian cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Dysregulated expression of integrins is implicated in various cellular processes, such as cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate integrin expression and function, thus affecting various physiological and pathological processes, including ovarian cancer. In this article, we review the current understanding of integrin-mediated cellular processes in ovarian cancer and the roles of miRNAs in regulating integrins. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNAs that regulate integrins for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Targeting miRNAs that regulate integrins or downstream signaling pathways of integrins may provide novel therapeutic strategies for inhibiting integrin-mediated ovarian cancer progression.

Keywords: integrins; miRNAs; ovarian cancer; therapeutic targets.

Figure 1

The integrin superfamily. The integrins are subdivided according to their β chains (β1 and β2 chains). Several α chains can be combined with β chains, with 24 different integrins being present in humans. RGD: arginylglycylaspartic acid.