Emerging functions of microRNAs in glioblastoma

Distinct patterns of microRNA expression have been observed in glioblastomas. The functional significance of some of these microRNAs is beginning to emerge. This data indicates that microRNAs play roles in multiple hallmark biological characteristics of glioblastoma, including cell proliferation, invasion, glioma stem cell behavior, and angiogenesis. Research in this area is quickly gathering pace and is illuminating important aspects of the disease that may ultimately lead to novel therapeutic interventions, as well as diagnostic and prognostic tools for brain tumors.