| MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the regulatory short noncoding RNAs are involved in a wide array of cellular and
molecular processes. They negatively regulate gene expression and their dysfunction is correlated with cancer
development through modulation of multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, these molecules could be considered as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for more effective management of human cancers. Recent
studies have demonstrated that the miR-181 family is dysregulated in various tumor tissues and plays a pivotal
role in carcinogenesis. They have been shown to act as oncomirs or tumor suppressors considering their mRNA
targets and to be involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis and drug resistance.
Additionally, these miRNAs have been demonstrated to exert their regulatory effects through modulating
multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, TGF-b, Wnt, NF-κB, Notch pathways. Given that, in
this review, we briefly summarise the recent studies that have focused on the roles of miRNA-181 family as the
multifunctional miRNAs in tumorigenesis and cancer development. These miRNAs may serve as diagnostic and
prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets in human cancer gene therapy. |