MicroRNA biogenesis, gene silencing mechanisms and role in breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are important class of short regulatory RNA molecules involved in regulation of several essential biological processes. In addition to Dicer and Drosha, over the past few years several other gene products are discovered that regulates miRNA biogenesis pathways. Similarly, various models of molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA mediated gene silencing have been uncovered through which miRNA contribute in diverse physiological and pathological processes. Dysregulated miRNA expression has been reported in many cancers manifesting tumor suppressive or oncogenic role. In this review, critical overview of recent findings in miRNA biogenesis, silencing mechanisms and specifically the role of miRNA in breast, ovarian and prostate cancer will be described. Recent advancements in miRNA research summarized in this review will enhance the molecular understanding of miRNA biogenesis and mechanism of action. Also, role of miRNAs in pathogenesis of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer will provide the insights for the use of miRNAs as biomarker or therapeutic agents for the cancers.