The role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the major health problems and the second cause of cancer mortality in men over 40 years age in developed countries. Due to the incomplete screening methods for sensivity and spesificity detection prostate cancer, alternative methods with more specificity than are desired. With recent advances in molecular technology, numerous biomarkers have been suggested for the screening of prostate cancer with greater accuracy. MicroRNAs are oligonucleotides with 18-24 length that have key roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression as well as other cellular process (apoptosis, cell proliferation, differentiation and angiogenesis). Many studies have demonstrated changing of the expression levels of microRNAs in prostate cancer patients. Therefore, they can be implemented for the development of prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers. Owing to microRNAs can target molecular signaling pathways and genes involved in prostate cancer, they may also be applicable for therapeutic purposes. In this review article, we explain the roles of microRNAs in different cancer pathways and specifically the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.