The pathological role and prognostic impact of miR-181 in acute myeloid leukemia

In addition to genetic abnormalities, such as chromosomal translocations and somatic mutations that have been widely acknowledged in the leukemogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), epigenetic modifications also play a vital role in this process. MicroRNA (miRNA) regulation is emerging as a new layer of epigenetic regulation besides DNA methylation and histone modifications. Among the miRNAs first identified to be specifically expressed in hematopoietic cells, the miR-181 family has been implicated in regulating the differentiation of B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells during normal hematopoiesis, and has been linked tightly to the pathogenesis and prognosis of AML. Accumulating evidence indicates that miR-181 acts as a tumor suppressor in the pathogenesis of AML and exhibits a significant impact on the survival of patients with AML. Herein, we review the role of miR-181 as a diagnostic marker and prognostic predictor in AML, and discuss the potential use of miR-181 as a therapeutic target for AML.