Insights into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms governing X-chromosome-linked-miRNAs expression in cancer; a step-toward ncRNA precision

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-12, Vol.289, p.138773
• Main Authors: Hamdy, Nadia M., Zaki, Mohamed Bakr, Abdelmaksoud, Nourhan M., Ismail, Rehab A., Abd-Elmawla, Mai A., Rizk, Nehal I., Fathi, Doaa, Abulsoud, Ahmed I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cancer; Epigenetics; Genes; In silico; miRs; Precision medicine; X-linked
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138773

Sex chromosomes play a significant role in establishing sex-specific differences in gene expression, thereby contributing to phenotypic diversity and susceptibility to various diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNAs encoded by both the X and Y chromosomes, exhibit sex-specific regulatory characteristics. Computational analysis has identified several X-linked miRNAs differentially expressed in sex-specific cancers. This review aims to elucidate the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that govern the sex-specific expression of X- and Y-linked miRNAs, with particular attention to their functional role in regulating diverse cellular processes in different cancer pathways. In addition, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the targeted therapeutic interventions and critical insights into the potential clinical implications of targeting sex-specific miRNAs. In conclusion, this review opens new horizons for further research to effectively translate these findings into viable treatment options. •Sex-linked malignancies are linked to aberrant various genetic and epigenetic signaling, which can promote tumor growth and stem cell-like characteristics.•The modulation of cellular signaling pathways in these cancers is a key factor affecting the prognosis of patients with sex-specific cancers. A number of oncogenes and oncogenic miRs are involved in regulating cellular homeostasis and halting carcinogenesis.•In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of X-linked chromosome microRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer, as well as the potential of miRNAs as a novel class of therapeutic targets.