Title:The Critical Function of microRNAs in Developing Resistance against 5-
Fluorouracil in Cancer Cells
Volume: 24
Issue: 6
Author(s): Farhad Sheikhnia, Hossein Maghsoudi and Maryam Majidinia*
Affiliation:
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular
and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Keywords:
5-FU, Drug resistance, miRNAs, chemosensitivity, apoptosis, cancer treatment.
Abstract: Although there have been significant advancements in cancer treatment, resistance and recurrence
in patients make it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an
antimetabolite agent, is widely used in treating a broad range of human malignancies. The cytotoxic
effects of 5-FU are mediated by the inhibition of thymidylate synthase (TYMS/TS), resulting in the
suppression of essential biosynthetic activity, as well as the misincorporation of its metabolites into
RNA and DNA. Despite its huge benefits in cancer therapy, the application of 5-FU in the clinic is
restricted due to the occurrence of drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding
RNAs that act as negative regulators in many gene expression processes. Research has shown that
changes in miRNA play a role in cancer progression and drug resistance. This review examines the
role of miRNAs in 5-FU drug resistance in cancers.