Reversing epigenetic mechanisms of drug resistance in solid tumors using targeted microRNA delivery. (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berman, Melissa; Mattheolabakis, George; Suresh, Megha; Amiji, Mansoor
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on drug delivery. Volume 13:Number 7(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 987
• Page End: 998
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Cancer epigenetics -- chemotherapeutic -- drug resistance -- microRNA -- nanoparticle; Drug delivery devices -- Periodicals; Drug delivery systems -- Periodicals; 615.605
• DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2016.1178236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-5247

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Tumor cells utilize many different mechanisms to desensitize themselves to the cytotoxic effects of drugs, but it has recently been recognized that alterations in epigenetic control of gene expression underly many of them. As master regulators of gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) present a promising therapeutic strategy for the reversal of epigenetic changes that lead to drug resistance phenotypes in tumor cells. Areas covered : Effects of epigenetic changes on drug resistance in a variety of solid tumors are discussed. Specific miRNAs that are involved with the regulation of epigenetic machinery are highlighted. Further, we consider how delivery of miRNA or antagomirs may be utilized to resensitize drug-resistant tumor cells. Expert opinion : Reversal of epigenetically controlled tumor drug resistance mechanisms via miRNA delivery presents a novel strategy for enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutics. Further, the ability to target delivery of miRNAs may provide the opportunity to go beyond reversal of resistance to hyper-sensitization of tumor cells to the cytotoxic effects of drugs. However, understanding of the role of miRNA in epigenetic regulation is still in its early stages and further research is critical for potential utility in improving therapeutic efficacy in cancer patients.