The malignant phenotype-associated microRNA in gastroenteric, hepatobiliary and pancreatic carcinomas

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: MicroRNA (miRNA) is a newly discovered class of small and endogenous non-coding RNAs. Many miRNAs exhibit altered expression levels in cancer, and they can affect the cancerous phenotype of malignant cells. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: We review the recent advances in miRNA involvement in human gastroenteric tumor and analyze the clinical and therapeutic opportunities they provide. We envisage future developments toward molecular mechanisms of miRNAs and their potential applications to cancer treatment. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: MiRNAs may reasonably become novel anticancer tools. More investigations should be performed to promote the success of therapeutic-clinical use of miRNAs in cancer. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Future studies should focus on identification of new miRNAs and targets, the function and mechanism of miRNA-regulated cancer pathogenesis, the reliable delivery strategy and the novel type of miRNA-based therapy.