摘要
MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are small endogenous non-coding RNAs which can specifically silence gene expression, and thereby alter cell and organism phenotype. Deregulation of miRNA expression has been discovered in a variety of tumors and it is now clear that they contribute to cancer development and progression. Previous studies have indicated that miRNAs are involved in developmental timing, cell proliferation, apoptosis, morphogenesis [1], antiviral defense 121, and tumorigenesis [3]. In cancer pathways, altered expression of tumor suppressive or oncogenic miRNAs can disrupt regulatory mechanisms normal. Altered miRNAs expression patterns have been observed in a variety of diseased tissues. Cervical cancer is the most common malignant tumor in female reproductive tract. Recently more and more study showed a large number of miRNAs were down-regulated or up-regulated in cervical cancer. Recent data revealed that miRNA-218 （miR-218） played important roles in tumor initiation and development. This review focuses on analysis of miR-218 and will provide some insight into the progress of cervical cancer.
