The Role of Mirnas in Androgen-Independent Progression of Prostate Cancer

MicroRNAs are a kind of small non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules that negatively regulate the gene expression by binding to imperfect complementary sites in the 3' untranslated region of targeted mRNAs at the post-transcriptional level. Aberrant expressions of some miRNAs like miR-221/222, miR-146a and miR-125b have been found to be significantly associated with androgen-independent progression of prostate cancer. By analyzing the aberrant expressions and regulation mechanisms of miRNAs in cell lines, tissues and peripheral blood samples, we hope to provide a new theoretic base for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer.