MicroRNA Polymorphisms and Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the biological process by regulating gene expression pathways. Dysfunction of the miRNAs can lead to many pathological developments from chronic diseases to cancer. Recent research suggests that these pathological developments may lead to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in miRNA sequences. The difference in general effect mechanisms of miRNAs-associated SNPs (miRSNPs) makes it hard to comprehend the biological effects and potential contribution to disease pathogenesis of these miRSNPs. Yet, it is expected that the determination of the role these polymorphic variations play on diseases such as cancer, will be a guiding light on the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. In this review, how miRNA NPs affect miRNA biogenesis, the function and target gene and what role it plays in the pathogenesis of various types of cancer are summarized