The Oncogenic Role of miR-21 in Cancer Progression: A Molecular Review

Authors

  • Farman Ullah Department of Biochemistry, Quaid i Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Faiqa Shakeel Faculty of Engineering and Science (FES), University of Greenwich, England, UK.
  • Muhammad Ilyas Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Amna Noor Department of Pathology, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Mobara Nazar Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Wajiha Fatima Radiology and Imaging Technology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Zarish Noreen Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Sadaf Moeez Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i9.2253

Keywords:

miR-21, microRNA, PTEN, PDCD4, Exosome, Tumor Microenvironment, EMT, Biomarker, Anti-miR Therapy.

Abstract

Small non-coding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for controlling genes, and miR-21 has been shown to be a strong carcinogen in a variety of malignancies. The mechanisms of miR-21 are described in detail in this review, including the suppression of tumor suppressors like PTEN and PDCD4, the activation of pathways like PI3K/AKT, and the encouragement of aggressive phenotypes like invasion, proliferation, and resistance to treatment. Through exosomal transfer, miR-21 modifies the tumor microenvironment (TME), promoting stromal remodeling and immune suppression. Its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker is highlighted by its detectability in circulation and consistent upregulation in cancers. Anti-miR oligonucleotides and nanoparticle delivery are two therapeutic approaches that exhibit preclinical promise but struggle with specificity and clinical translation. The functions of miR-21 are summarized in this review, with a focus on novel delivery methods and standardized assays as the means of achieving its full therapeutic potential.

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Published

2025-09-15

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 9 (2025): Indus Journal of Bioscience Research

Section

Review Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Indus Journal of Bioscience Research

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How to Cite

Farman Ullah, Shakeel, F., Muhammad Ilyas, Noor, A., Nazar, M., Fatima, W., Noreen, Z., & Moeez, S. (2025). The Oncogenic Role of miR-21 in Cancer Progression: A Molecular Review. Indus Journal of Bioscience Research, 3(9), 48-52. https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i9.2253