Mini-reviewMicroRNAs in prostate cancer: Functional role as biomarkers

- Differential miRNA levels have been noted in prostate cancer compared to non-cancer counterparts.
- miRNA control AR receptor expression during prostate cancer development and progression.
- miRNA expression can be utilized for development of early detection, prognosis and in response to therapy.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding molecules that alters gene expression through post-transcriptional regulation of messenger RNA. Compelling evidence suggest the role of miRNA in cancer biology having potential as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers. This review summarizes the current knowledge on miRNA deregulated in prostate cancer and their role as oncogene, tumor suppressor and metastasis regulators. The emerging information elucidating the biological function of miRNA is promising and may lead to their potential usefulness as diagnostic/prognostic markers and development as effective therapeutic tools for management of prostate cancer.