Abstract:
MicroRNAs are evolutionary conserved single stranded non-coding RNAs with immense ability to post-
transcriptionally regulate gene expression via complementary base pairing with mRNAs of more than 50% protein
encoding genes. They play diverse roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes such as normal development
and cancer pathogenesis respectively. Recent investigations have focused on the identification and characterization of
microRNAs aberrantly expressed in cancer and their target molecules that are critically involved in the initiation,
progression and development of carcinogenesis as possible diagnostic, prognostic and theranostic (Integration of
biomarker use as diagnostic tools and target-specific therapies to enhance selective and individualized therapy) tools to
augment conventional cancer therapeutic armamentarium. In this mini review, we bring to focus the intricate interactions
between microRNAs aberrantly expressed in hepatocarcinogenesis and their interactions with the transforming growth
factor beta (TGF-β)/Small mother against decapentaplegic (Smad) and the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs)
signaling pathways. Importantly, we highlight microRNA-Specific targets as possible biomarkers for prognosis, diagnosis
and as therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) while at the same time exploring new directions for future
investigations.
