MicroRNAs in prostate cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are made up of -22 endogenous nucleotides and are small, noncoding RNAs that are important regulators of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by degrading or repressing target miRNAs. miRNA expression profiles can be used for the detection of diagnostic and prognostic markers for various cancers. Also, alterations of miRNAs in cancer tissues have been associated with clinicopathological parameters. Along with circulating miRNAs, tissue miRNAs have shown promise as markers that can predict cancer recurrence and/or the potential for survival of cancer patients. Additionally, some miRNAs have therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss and assess the usefulness of tissue-derived and circulating miRNAs for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.