The dual role of miR-184 in cancer: a systematic review of context-dependent regulation

Duff, B ORCID: 0009-0007-9012-6131 and Swadi, R ORCID: 0000-0002-4016-622X (2025) The dual role of miR-184 in cancer: a systematic review of context-dependent regulation. Molecular Biology Reports, 53 (1). ISSN 0301-4851

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Abstract

MicroRNA-184 (miR-184) regulates gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs, promoting their degradation, and influencing key cellular processes. Its role in human cancers is complex: while several studies report tumour-suppressive effects, including inhibition of proliferation, migration, and metastasis, contradictory evidence indicates that miR-184 may act as a tumour promoter in certain contexts. This systematic review aimed to clarify whether miR-184 functions as a universal anticancer agent across human cancers. A comprehensive search of PubMed and SCOPUS identified 123 records, of which 55 studies met inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed that miR-184 predominantly acts as a tumour suppressor in cancers such as prostate and breast, whereas in liver and bone cancers, it exhibits tumour-promoting activity. Certain cancer types, including skin and pancreatic cancers, showed inconsistent or context-dependent effects. Key molecular targets and pathways influenced by miR-184, including c-MYC, caspases, and apoptotic signalling, were highlighted. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the function of miR-184 in cancer is context-dependent, shaped by tissue type, molecular environment, and cellular signalling networks.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; 3101 Biochemistry and cell biology
Subjects:	Q Science > QD Chemistry R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica
Divisions:	Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Publisher:	Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date of acceptance:	24 November 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	12 December 2025
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2025 14:01
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2025 14:01
DOI or ID number:	10.1007/s11033-025-11314-4
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27710

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