MicroRNAs in Human Pituitary Adenomas

• Main Authors: Xu-Hui Li, Elaine Lu Wang, Hai-Meng Zhou, Katsuhiko Yoshimoto, Zhi Rong Qian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2014-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Endocrinology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/435171

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of recently identified noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at posttranscriptional level. Due to the large number of genes regulated by miRNAs, miRNAs play important roles in many cellular processes. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs are dysregulated in pituitary adenomas, a class of intracranial neoplasms which account for 10–15% of diagnosed brain tumors. Deregulated miRNAs and their targets contribute to pituitary adenomas progression and are associated with cell cycle control, apoptosis, invasion, and pharmacological treatment of pituitary adenomas. To provide an overview of miRNAs dysregulation and functions of these miRNAs in pituitary adenoma progression, we summarize the deregulated miRNAs and their targets to shed more light on their potential as therapeutic targets and novel biomarkers.