microRNA-based screens for synthetic lethal interactions with c-Myc

DOI: 10.14800/rd.1330

Abstract

microRNAs (miRs) are small, non-coding RNAs, which play crucial roles in the development and progression of human cancer. As miRs are stable, easy to synthetize and readily introduced into cells, they have been viewed as having potential therapeutic benefit in cancer. c-Myc (Myc) is one of the most commonly deregulated oncogenic transcription factors and has important roles in the pathogenesis of cancer, thus making it an important, albeit elusive therapeutic target. Here we review the miRs that have been identified as being both positive and negative targets for Myc and how these participate in the complex phenotypes that arise as a result of Myc-driven transformation. We also discuss several recent reports of Myc-synthetic lethal interactions. These highlight the importance and complexity of miRs in Myc-mediated biological functions and the opportunities for Myc-driven human cancer therapies.