MicroRNA control of signal transduction

The document from March 10, 2010, details the significant role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of signal transduction pathways, which are essential for processes such as cancer progression, tissue regeneration, and maintaining the robustness of biological systems. It emphasizes miRNAs like let-7, which regulates RAS and impacts breast cancer cell self-renewal and chemotherapy response, and others that amplify signalling cascades by targeting inhibitors. The document also notes miRNAs' role in promoting angiogenesis, enhancing receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signalling in tumors, mediating crosstalk between pathways, and contributing to tissue regeneration and robustness by dampening signal fluctuations. Furthermore, it discusses the involvement of miRNAs in feedback loops and bistable cell differentiation decisions, as well as their global downregulation in tumors, suggesting a role in cancer progression. The conclusion underscores the importance of miRNAs in cell signaling networks and the challenge of fully understanding their functions for future research.