Oxidative stress–fighting miRNAs: Targeting cancer’s achilles’ heel

Oxidative stress is one of major factors of cancer initiation and progression by inducing damage to cellular macromolecules through the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This process contributes to tumor development by triggering events such as DNA mutations, protein modifications, and lipid peroxidation. As small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, miRNAs play an important role in modulating the cellular effects of oxidative stress. Specific miRNAs target oxidative stress-related signaling pathways and affect cancer cell properties such as proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. For instance, oncogenic microRNAs such as miR-21 and miR-155 enhance survival of tumor cells by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms, whereas tumor suppressor microRNAs such as miR-34a and miR-146a induce cell death triggered by oxidative stress. Such a balance is an important part of cancer cell adaptation to oxidative stress and tumor development. Furthermore, oxidative stress influences microRNA regulation by transcription factors and other signaling pathways. Transcription factors NF-κB, p53, and HIF-1α play a role in miRNA regulation by being activated upon ROS buildup. In addition, oxidative stress-induced DNA damage is able to trigger cellular defense and direct apoptotic or anti-apoptotic activity of cancer cells through miRNAs. A detailed understanding of these mechanisms provides important clues on how to target miRNAs for cancer biology and therapeutic approaches.

This study addresses the critical role of oxidative stress-related miRNAs in cancer biology and their therapeutic potential. Oxidative stress promotes tumor progression by altering the genetic and epigenetic architecture of cancer cells, and miRNAs are important molecules that regulate these processes. Therefore, the use of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer is of increasing interest. Current research suggests that miRNA-based therapeutic approaches may open new horizons in cancer treatment by targeting oxidative stress-related pathways. Further studies for clinical applications will help us to better understand the role of miRNAs in cancer treatment and to develop personalized therapeutic strategies.