MicroRNAs and their target gene networks in renal cell carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-protein-coding short single stranded RNAs in the size range 19–25 nucleotides that are associated with gene regulation at the transcriptional and translational level. Recent studies have proved that miRNAs play important roles in a large number of biological processes, including cellular differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, etc. Changes in their expression were found in a variety of human cancers, including renal cell carcinoma pathogenesis. Specific miRNA alterations were associated with key pathogenetic mechanisms of renal cell carcinoma like hypoxia or epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of miRNA functions in renal cell carcinoma with an emphasis on miRNAs potential to serve as a powerful biomarker of disease and a novel therapeutic target in oncology.

Research highlights
► MiRNAs are related to the processes of cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in RCC.
► MiRNAs expression profiles are associated with several RCC-specific genetic alterations.
► It has been well documented that several miRNAs are downstream effector molecules of the HIF-induced hypoxia response.
► MiR-200 family is linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition which is one of the most significant pathogenetic mechanism in RCC.
► Mechanistic studies in RCC have provided the rationale of using miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets.