miRNA regulation in cancer progression: A molecular network review

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are deeply integrated into the molecular etiology of cancer. By targeting messenger RNAs for degradation or translational repression, miRNAs modulate cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Deregulated miRNA expression has been documented across virtually all cancer types, where specific miRNAs function either as oncogenes (oncomiRs) or tumor suppressors. This review synthesizes robust experimental data supporting miRNA-mediated regulation in cancer progression, emphasizing mechanistic insights obtained through luciferase assays, CRISPR editing, RNA immunoprecipitation, in vivo models, and proteomic validation. We dissect the architecture of miRNA-mRNA-protein interaction networks, highlight functional consequences within key signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT, RAS/ERK, EMT), and explore their translational potential in diagnostics and therapeutics. By critically evaluating high-impact experimental approaches, this review positions miRNAs as both master regulators of malignancy and actionable targets for precision oncology.