MicroRNAs in the development and pathobiology of uterine leiomyomata: does evidence support future strategies for clinical intervention?

BACKGROUND Human leiomyomata (fibroids) are benign tumors of the uterus, represent the most common neoplasms of reproductive-aged women and have a prevalence of ∼70% in the general population. This disorder conveys a significant degree of morbidity and remains the leading indication for hysterectomy in the USA. Prior investigations of aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression in various malignancies have provided invaluable insight into the role of this class of small non-coding RNAs in tumor growth. Evidence of irregular miRNA expression in uterine fibroids has garnered recent interest for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Since miRNA gene targets modulate several processes implicated in the genesis of uterine fibroids, more focused investigation has the potential to elucidate the functional significance of miRNA in the genesis and pathology of the disease. METHODS Comprehensive electronic searches of peer reviewed published literature in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) were performed for content related to the biologic functions of miRNA, the roles of miRNA in human disease and studies investigating miRNA in the context of uterine leiomyomata. Herein, this article will review the current evidence supporting the use of miRNA expression profiling as an investigative tool to assess the pathobiology of uterine fibroids and will discuss potential future applications of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. RESULTS Mounting evidence supports a functional role for miRNA as either indirect or direct regulators of gene expression which impacts the pathobiology of uterine fibroids. Specifically, miRNAs let-7, 200a, 200c, 93, 106b and 21 have been implicated in cellular proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix turnover, angiogenesis and inflammation. Preliminary data provide evidence to suggest that respective in vitro miRNA expression in leiomyomata and myometrium is regulated by sex steroids. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the identification of aberrantly expressed miRNAs in uterine leiomyomata and accumulating data derived from mining of gene target prediction models and recent functional studies support the concept that miRNAs might impact the genesis and progression of disease. However, the specific biologic functions of differential miRNA expression have yet to be confirmed in vivo. Further functional studies and developing miRNA technology may provide the basis for future applications of miRNAs in clinical medicine as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.