MicroRNAs Can Influence Ovarian Cancer Progression by Dysregulating Integrin Activity

SIMPLE SUMMARY: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, with significant implications in ovarian cancer development and progression. Their dysregulation can act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in ovarian cancer. For instance, the miR-200 family is associated with increased invasive capabilities in cancer cells, while the let-7 family controls cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, miRNAs have shown involvement in ovarian cancer chemoresistance, such as the role of miR-21 in cisplatin resistance. The potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is being investigated, with certain miRNAs correlating with tumor stage and survival. Therapeutic strategies, including miRNA mimics and inhibitors, are being developed to target dysregulated miRNAs, showing promise in preclinical studies. Another area of focus is the relation between miRNAs and integrins, proteins crucial for cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation. Specific miRNAs have been found to regulate ovarian cancer progression by targeting integrin mRNA, thereby influencing cancer cell activities. This relationship underscores the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNAs and integrins in ovarian cancer treatment, pointing to a novel direction for research and clinical application. ABSTRACT: Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that affects thousands of women worldwide. Integrins, transmembrane receptors that mediate cell adhesion and signaling, play important roles in ovarian cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Dysregulated expression of integrins is implicated in various cellular processes, such as cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate integrin expression and function, thus affecting various physiological and pathological processes, including ovarian cancer. In this article, we review the current understanding of integrin-mediated cellular processes in ovarian cancer and the roles of miRNAs in regulating integrins. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNAs that regulate integrins for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Targeting miRNAs that regulate integrins or downstream signaling pathways of integrins may provide novel therapeutic strategies for inhibiting integrin-mediated ovarian cancer progression.