MiRNAs and miRNA Polymorphisms Modify Drug Response

• Main Authors: Mu-Peng Li, Yao-Dong Hu, Xiao-Lei Hu, Yan-Jiao Zhang, Yong-Long Yang, Chun Jiang, Jie Tang, Xiao-Ping Chen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-11-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: microRNA; drug response; miRNA polymorphisms; prognosis
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/13/11/1096

Differences in expression of drug response-related genes contribute to inter-individual variation in drugs’ biological effects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs emerging as new players in epigenetic regulation of gene expression at post-transcriptional level. MiRNAs regulate the expression of genes involved in drug metabolism, drug transportation, drug targets and downstream signal molecules directly or indirectly. MiRNA polymorphisms, the genetic variations affecting miRNA expression and/or miRNA-mRNA interaction, provide a new insight into the understanding of inter-individual difference in drug response. Here, we provide an overview of the recent progress in miRNAs mediated regulation of biotransformation enzymes, drug transporters, and nuclear receptors. We also describe the implications of miRNA polymorphisms in cancer chemotherapy response.