The Role of miRNAs in Cancer Drug Resistance: A Closer Look

Cancer is a major health issue worldwide, and breast cancer, in particular, is a significant concern. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of breast cancer. MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, are tiny RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating cellular functions, including drug resistance. When cancer cells become resistant to anticancer drugs, it's a big problem. This resistance is one of the main reasons why cancer treatments sometimes fail. MiRNAs like mir-7, mir-21, mir-31, and mir-124 influence drug resistance through various pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF-β, STAT3, and NF-kB. These pathways are like the highways that miRNAs use to control cell activities. By understanding the relationship between miRNAs and these signaling pathways, we can gain valuable insights into how cancer cells develop drug resistance. This knowledge could potentially lead to new strategies for improving cancer treatments.