| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969437 | Clinical Biochemistry | 2013 | 9 Pages |
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and the incidence of melanoma has been increasing faster than that of most other cancers. While the survival rate following surgical resection of early-stage primary tumors is nearly 100%, the survival of patients with metastasized tumors is strongly reduced, likely due to resistance to conventional therapies. Therefore, it is important to use new molecular approaches to develop new biomarkers to better prevent and diagnose melanoma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression via repression of translation or direct degradation of their complementary mRNA. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the involvement of miRNAs and their corresponding targets in melanomagenesis as well as the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Malignant melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. ► Many miRNAs are deregulated in melanoma, leading to tumor progression. ► MiRNAs affect targets like receptors, signaling pathways and transcription factors. ► MiRNAs could be used as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. ► The usage of miRNAs as therapeutic agents is a future goal.
