The roles of microRNAs in neuroblastoma

Hong Mei, Zhen-Yu Lin, Qiang-Song Tong

Wuhan, China

Author Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Surgery (Mei H, Tong QS), and Cancer Center (Lin ZY), Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China

Corresponding Author: Qiang-Song Tong, PhD, MD, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China (Tel: 86-27-85726005; Email: qs_tong@hotmail.com)

doi: 10.1007/s12519-014-0448-2

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood and displays remarkable heterogeneity in clinical behaviors, ranging from spontaneous regression to rapid progression or resistance to multimodal treatment. Recent evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, are involved in tumor development and progression. This article aimed to review recent advances in investigating the roles of miRNAs in NB.

Methods: We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE database for articles about the expression profile, functions and target genes of miRNAs in NB.

Results: We reviewed the most recent evidence regarding the functional roles of oncogenic and tumor suppressive miRNAs in NB and application of novel miRNA-based methods for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes.

Conclusions: Deregulation of miRNAs is associated with the development and progression of NB, suggesting that miRNAs may serve as novel targets for the treatment of high-risk NB patients. However, their precise functions and underlying mechanisms still warrant further studies.

Key words: microRNA; neuroblastoma; treatment

World J Pediatr 2014;10(1):10-16