microRNA在妇科疾病中的作用

Role of microRNAs in gynecological diseases

micro RNA(mi RNA)是一类不编码蛋白质的短序列RNA,通过与靶m RNA特异性的碱基互补配对,引起靶m RNA的降解或者抑制其翻译,实现对靶基因的转录后调控。已知mi RNA基因调控障碍与多类妇科疾病有关。研究证实mi RNA参与了子宫内膜异位症、盆腔器官脱垂等疾病的发生发展,并通过原癌基因或抑癌基因样作用广泛参与了卵巢癌、宫颈癌、子宫内膜癌的转移、分化及耐药机制。还有研究显示,mi RNA有望成为新的特异性肿瘤标记物或是肿瘤靶向治疗的靶点。现就目前该领域的研究进展作一综述。

MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are 20-24 nucleotide non-coding RNAs. These small molecules bind to target mRNAs, leading to translational repression and/or mRNA degradation. Aberrant miRNA expression is associated with gynecological diseases. This article reviewed the role of miRNAs in five gynecological disorders that affect the ovary or uterus, two benign and frequent disease （endometriosis and pelvic organ prolapse） and three malignant gynecological diseases （endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancers）. In cancer, miRNAs may act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Many studies have revealed that miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in different human cancer types, including endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancer. Recently, circulating miRNA expression profiles have now been associated with a range of different tumor types. These findings make researchers foster hope in their role as emerging biomarkers of cancer and other disorders. The development of therapies that might inhibit or imitate the functions of miRNAs could represent new therapeutic strategies for the aforementioned gynecological disorders.