The Role of MicroRNA in Regulation of Signaling Pathways in Gliomas

Gliomas are invasive brain tumors characterized by high rates of recurrence and mortality. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of glioma with nearly 100% rate of recurrence and unfavorable prognosis in patients. MicroRNAs (miR) are a class of wide-spread short noncoding RNAs that inhibit translation via binding to the mRNA of target genes. The aim of this review is to analyze studies and experimental results on changes in the expression profiles of microRNA which are characteristic for gliomas/ glioblastomas and targeted to components of signaling pathways Hedgehog, Notch, Wnt, EGFR, TGFβ, and HIF1α, aberrantly regulated in the gliomas. Special attention has been paid to the links of microRNA to the targets of 2-hydroxyglutarate, the product of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (R132H IDH1), mutational changes of which are specific for the pathogenesis of gliomas. Detection of certain types of microRNA in tissues and blood serum can be used for diagnostics and prediction, including responsiveness of individual patients to therapy, and development of new therapeutic strategies.