miRNA and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a family of small non-coding RNA molecules 22-25 nucleotides in length. miRNAs control the expression of target genes at the post-transcriptional level by inhibiting translation or by degrading target mRNA through binding to complementary sequences in the 3′-untranslated regions. Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are intimately involved in processes leading to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, such as the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded latent membrane protein 1 activated signal transduction pathways, gene-regulatory networks, mitosis, tumor angiogenesis, invasion and migration. Exploring the relationship between miRNAs and the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, will further the understanding of this cancer and provide new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. © 2011 The Author(s).