Unraveling the Role of the microRNA-Mediated Regulation of Actin-Binding Proteins in Ovarian Cancer: A Narrative Review

TL;DR

This review explores how microRNAs regulate actin-binding proteins in ovarian cancer, influencing cancer cell movement and spread.

Contribution

The paper compiles current knowledge on miRNA-mediated regulation of actin-binding proteins in ovarian cancer and highlights their therapeutic potential.

Findings

MiRNAs regulate actin-binding proteins, affecting cancer cell migration and metastasis.

MiRNAs can act as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes in ovarian cancer.

Understanding miRNA-ABP interactions may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be important post-transcriptional regulators in a variety of cancer-related pathways. MiRNA regulation of actin-binding proteins (ABPs) constitutes a key mechanism underlying the motility, invasiveness, and metastatic capacity of ovarian cancer cells. This narrative review aims to give a summary of what is currently known about the roles that ABPs play in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, this review aims to provide new insights and highlight potential intervention techniques by shedding light on the miRNA-mediated regulation of ABPs in the biology of ovarian cancer. MiRNAs regulate key tumorigenic processes such as cell migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis by modulating the expression and function of vital cytoskeletal regulators. The dual roles of miRNAs as tumor suppressors and oncogenes are increasingly recognized, highlighting their complexity and therapeutic potential.

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, primarily due to its late diagnosis and limited prospects for successful treatment. MiRNAs have been shown to be important post-transcriptional regulators in a variety of cancer-related pathways in recent years. One of the principal mechanisms underlying the motility, invasiveness, and metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells is the microRNA-mediated regulation of ABPs. As integral components of the cytoskeletal network, ABPs participate in dynamic cellular processes such as migration, adhesion, and invasion, and are critically involved in tumor development and progression. Recent data indicate that some miRNAs affect ABP expression and activity, which in turn affects cytoskeletal remodeling and, ultimately, tumor cell behavior. The role of miRNAs in cancer development is inherently complex due to their ability to function as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes, depending on the molecular context. Key ABPs that are targeted by particular miRNAs are discussed in terms of their clinical relevance, including their potential utility as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets. A deeper understanding of these regulatory pathways may offer new opportunities for early detection and personalized treatment strategies. In this narrative review, the current knowledge of how miRNAs affect ABP expression and function, and how this interaction contributes to the development and progression of ovarian cancer, is compiled.

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