Cancer Treatment and Research Communications · Published 2026-01-01 · DOI 10.1016/j.ctarc.2026.101295
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and have been recognized as the critical players in tumor initiation and metastasis. Their aberrant expression patterns offer substantial clinical utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and represent promising therapeutic targets. Among these, miR-451a, encoded on chromosome 17q11.2 in a region frequently deleted in malignancies, has attracted considerable attention. MiR-451a is predominantly downregulated and acts as a potent tumor suppressor in a wide spectrum of cancers. Mechanistically, it directly targets key oncogenes, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion while promoting apoptosis and enhancing sensitivity to chemo- and radiotherapy. Clinically, low tumoral or circulating levels of miR-451a were correlated with advanced stage, poor differentiation, and unfavorable prognosis, underscoring its potential as a minimally invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Moreover, restoring miR-451a function via mimics or delivery systems is being actively investigated to overcome drug resistance and suppress metastatic dissemination, highlighting its translational promise. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the molecular mechanisms and emerging clinical applications of miR-451a in cancer patients.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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