Exploring the Role of microRNAs in Glioma Progression, Prognosis, and Therapeutic Strategies

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Despite advancements in healthcare and research, the occurrence of gliomas, a type of brain tumor, continues to rise. Emerging evidence has proven that dysregulated microRNAs play a significant role in the initiation, progression, prognosis, and recurrence of gliomas. Not only can these micro-RNAs serve as diagnostic tools, but they also hold promise for the development of targeted therapeutic treatments. It is therefore of great importance to have a comprehensive understanding of the specific microRNAs involved, the different pathways they are involved in, and the potential outcomes of mutations. This is ultimately the focus of this review, which establishes a solid foundation for the development of targeted therapeutic agents, also highlighting the possible challenges that may be encountered. ABSTRACT: Gliomas, which arise from glial cells in the brain, remain a significant challenge due to their location and resistance to traditional treatments. Despite research efforts and advancements in healthcare, the incidence of gliomas has risen dramatically over the past two decades. The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has prompted the creation of therapeutic agents that specially target them. However, it has been reported that they are involved in complex signaling pathways that contribute to the loss of expression of tumor suppressor genes and the upregulation of the expression of oncogenes. In addition, numerous miRNAs promote the development, progression, and recurrence of gliomas by targeting crucial proteins and enzymes involved in metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. However, the complex interplay among these pathways along with other obstacles hinders the ability to apply miRNA targeting in clinical practice. This highlights the importance of identifying specific miRNAs to be targeted for therapy and having a complete understanding of the diverse pathways they are involved in. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the role of miRNAs in the progression and prognosis of gliomas, emphasizing the different pathways involved and identifying potential therapeutic targets.