microRNA-122
(miR-122) is a highly conserved microRNA that is predominantly
expressed in the liver and plays a critical role in the regulation of
liver metabolism. Recent studies have shown that miR-122 is involved in
the pathogenesis of various types of cancer, particularly liver cancer.
In this sense, The current findings highlighted the potential role of
miR-122 in regulating many vital processes in cancer pathophysiology,
including apoptosis, signaling pathway,
cell metabolism, immune system response, migration, and invasion. These
results imply that miR-122, which has been extensively studied for its
biological functions and potential therapeutic applications, acts as a
tumor suppressor or oncogene in cancer development. We first provide an
overview and summary of the physiological function and mode of action of
miR-122 in liver cancer. We will examine the various signaling pathways
and molecular mechanisms through which miR-122 exerts its effects on
cancer cells, including the regulation of oncogenic and tumor suppressor
genes, the modulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the
regulation of metastasis.
Most importantly, we will also discuss the potential diagnostic and
therapeutic applications of miR-122 in cancer, including the development
of miRNA-based biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and the
potential use of miR-122 as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.