The advance of application for microRNAs in cancer gene therapy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are closely associated with biological processes of tumor cells as the key regulators by recognizing specific mRNA targets, and further mediating post-transcriptional inhibition of tumor related genes. Therefore, miRNAs may be used as optional therapeutic targets in tumors resulting from accumulation of multiple gene mutations and their interactions. Currently, there are many researches for making miRNAs safely and efficiently be applied in cancer gene therapy (CGT). This review summarizes miRNA anomalous biogenesis pathway, different roles in disease processes of tumors, by which it further clarifies miRNA implemented methods including the combined treatment related with miRNA in CGT; simultaneously, briefly illustrates the delivery systems of miRNA.