MicroRNAs in human lung cancer

Lung cancer, which can be divided into two major clinical-pathological categories, small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length, have been reported to be upregulated or downregulated in disease states and specific cell types. Recently, miRNAs have gained recognition as major regulators of human gene expression. MiRNAs can control highly complex signal transduction pathways and other biological pathways by targeting and controlling gene expression, accounting for their important role in lung cancer. Findings from recent studies on the roles of miRNAs in lung cancer are summarized in this review. Understanding miRNA functions in lung cancer will bring molecular-level insight leading to better prognosis, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches.