The microRNA-cell surface proteoglycan axis in cancer progression

Proteoglycans consist one of the major extracellular matrix class of biomolecules that demonstrate nodal roles in cancer progression. Modern diagnostic and therapeutic approaches include proteoglycan detection and pharmacological targeting in various cancer types. Proteoglycans orchestrate critical signaling pathways for cancer development and progression through dynamic interactions with ma-trix components. It is well established that the epigenetic signatures of cancer cells play critical role in guiding their functional proper-ties and metastatic potential. Secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) reside in a complex network with matrix proteoglycans, thus affecting cell-cell and cell-matrix communication. This mini-review aims to highlight current knowledge on the cell-surface proteoglycan-medi-ated signaling cascades that regulate miRNA biogenesis in cancer. Moreover, the miRNA-mediated proteoglycan regulation during cancer progression and mechanistic aspects on the way that proteoglycans affect miRNA expression are presented. Recent advances on the role of cell surface proteoglycans in exosome biogenesis and miRNA packaging and expression are also discussed.

Automated summary

Proteoglycans, as a major component of the extracellular matrix, play a crucial role in cancer progression. Recent studies have shown that proteoglycans interact with microRNAs, affecting cell-cell and cell-matrix communication and thus regulating cancer cell biogenesis and expression. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of proteoglycans is of great significance for cancer diagnosis and treatment.