Role of miR-15/16 in CLL

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia. The most common chromosomal abnormalities detectable by cytogenetics include deletion at 13q (55%), 11q (18%), trisomy 12 (12–16%) and 17p (8%). In 2002, we discovered that a microRNA cluster miR-15a/miR-16-1 (miR-15/16) is the target of 13q deletions in CLL. MicroRNAs encoded by the miR-15/16 locus (miR-15 and miR-16) function as tumor suppressors. Expression of these miRNAs downregulated in CLL, melanoma, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer and other solid tumors. miR-15/16 cluster targets multiple oncogenes, including BCL2, Cyclin D1, MCL1 and others. The most important target of miR-15/16 in CLL is arguably BCL2, as BCL2 is overexpressed in almost all CLLs. In this review, we discuss the discovery, functions, clinical relevance and treatment opportunities related to miR-15/16.