Targeting microRNA to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for malignant mesothelioma

// Kimberly A. Birnie 1 , Cecilia M. Prele 1, 2 , Philip J. Thompson 1 , Bahareh Badrian 1 and Steven E. Mutsaers 1, 2 1 Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia 2 Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia Correspondence to: Steven E. Mutsaers, email: steven.mutsaers@uwa.edu.au Keywords: malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, microRNA, biomarkers, therapies Received: June 03, 2017      Accepted: August 04, 2017      Published: August 24, 2017 ABSTRACT Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and often fatal cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The disease originates in the mesothelial lining of the serosal cavities, most commonly affecting the pleura. Survival rates are low as diagnosis often occurs at an advanced stage and current treatments are limited. Identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for mesothelioma remains a priority, particularly for the new wave of victims exposed to asbestos through do-it-yourself renovations and in countries where asbestos is still mined and used. Recent advances have demonstrated a biological role for the small but powerful gene regulators microRNA (miRNA) in mesothelioma. A number of potential therapeutic targets have been identified. MiRNA have also become popular as potential biomarkers for mesothelioma due to their stable expression in bodily fluid and tissues. In this review, we highlight the current challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma and discuss how targeting miRNA may improve diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches.