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Review
. 2024 Sep 10;29(1):121.
doi: 10.1186/s11658-024-00632-3.

MicroRNAs in metabolism for precision treatment of lung cancer

Giovanna Carrà  1   2 , Jessica Petiti  3 , Federico Tolino  4 , Rita Vacca  5 , Francesca Orso  6
Affiliations
Review

MicroRNAs in metabolism for precision treatment of lung cancer

Giovanna Carrà et al. Cell Mol Biol Lett. .

Abstract

The dysregulation of miRNAs in lung cancer has been extensively documented, with specific miRNAs acting as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes, depending on their target genes. Recent research has unveiled the regulatory roles of miRNAs in key metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid metabolism, and autophagy, which collectively contribute to the aberrant energy metabolism characteristic of cancer cells. Furthermore, miRNAs are increasingly recognized as critical modulators of the tumor microenvironment, impacting immune response and angiogenesis. This review embarks on a comprehensive journey into the world of miRNAs, unraveling their multifaceted roles, and more notably, their emerging significance in the context of cancer, with a particular focus on lung cancer. As we navigate this extensive terrain, we will explore the fascinating realm of miRNA-mediated metabolic rewiring, a phenomenon that plays a pivotal role in the progression of lung cancer and holds promise in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Lung cancer; Metabolic reprogramming; Metabolism; miRNAs.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
miRNA network regulating lung cancer metabolism. MiRNAs play a pivotal role in influencing the metabolic alterations observed in lung cancer cells by regulating signaling pathways and transcription factors. They have the capacity to modulate cell metabolism by targeting various components, such as glucose transporters (GLUTs) and key enzymes involved in glycolysis, including hexokinase 2 (HK2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). Their regulatory effects on these glycolytic pathways are noteworthy. Additionally, activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway can lead to enhanced lipogenesis. MiRNAs and mitochondrial miRNAs (mitomiRs) have been identified as crucial players in promoting mitochondrial metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, acting both as oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on the context. Furthermore, miRNAs have the ability to regulate amino acid metabolism. The miRNA-mediated metabolic rewiring strongly impacts cell malignancy and resistance to therapy. This Figure is generated with Biorender.com
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
MiRNA-based therapeutics in lung cancer. Schematic representation of miRNA-based therapeutics in lung cancer. Anti-miRNA, miRNA mimic, and possible administration strategies including liposome and aptamer conjugated miRNA are illustrated. Anti-miRNAs inhibit the function of endogenous miRNAs, while miRNA mimics restore the function of tumor-suppressive miRNAs. Liposomes facilitate the delivery of miRNA-based therapeutics, and aptamer-conjugated miRNAs represent a novel approach for cell specific miRNA delivery with increased efficacy. This Figure is generated with Biorender.com
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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