Review
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World J Clin Urol. Nov 24, 2014; 3(3): 238-248
Published online Nov 24, 2014. doi: 10.5410/wjcu.v3.i3.238
MiRNA in bladder carcinogenesis: A review
Nelson Dip, Sabrina T Reis, Nayara I Viana, Denis R Morais, Caio M Moura, Betina Katz, Daniel K Abe, Alexandre Iscaife, Iran A Silva, Miguel Srougi, Kátia RM Leite
Nelson Dip, Sabrina T Reis, Nayara I Viana, Denis R Morais, Caio M Moura, Betina Katz, Daniel K Abe, Alexandre Iscaife, Iran A Silva, Miguel Srougi, Kátia RM Leite, Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Urology Department-LIM55, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
Author contributions: Dip N contributed to the data collection, methodology development for original papers from this group described in text, write and edition; Reis ST contributed to the literature review, data collection and statistical analysis; Viana NI contributed to the data collection and methodology development for original papers from this group described in text; Morais DR contributed to the methodology development for original papers from this group described in text; Moura CM contributed to the methodology development for original papers from this group described in text; Katz B contributed to the paper review and edition; Abe DK contributed to the literature review and paper review; Iscaife A contributed to the literature review and paper review; Silva IA contributed to the methodology development for original papers from this group described in text; Srougi M contributed to the paper review; Leite KRM contributed to the literature review, write and edition.
Correspondence to: Nelson Dip, MD, PhD, Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Urology Department-LIM55, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 455, room 2145, Sao Paulo 01246-903, Brazil. nelson.dip@hotmail.com
Telephone: +55-11-30617183 Fax: +55-11-30617183
Received: April 29, 2014
Revised: June 30, 2014
Accepted: August 27, 2014
Published online: November 24, 2014
Processing time: 204 Days and 10.3 Hours
Abstract

Bladder cancer (BC) is the second urological malignancy in incidence, currently being one of the most neoplasms studied with profile and biology poorly defined. In the world, BC is responsible by about 386000 new cases and 150000 deaths annually with considerable economic impact and high costs for health systems. After its discovery more than 20 years, micro RNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as molecules that work specifically in post-transcriptional control in majority of eukaryote genomes. MiRNAs are a family of small non-coding RNAs of 19-25 nucleotides in length, expressed in a wide variety of organisms, comprising plants, worms and mammals, including humans. They have a fundamental role in physiological and pathological processes in organs and tissues in a context-dependent manner. This review brings new roles of protective and oncogenic miRNAs linked to carcinogenesis of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, and associated with behavior of disease. Many studies have demonstrated promising roles of miRNAs working as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or involved in target therapies, consolidating miRNAs as crucial players in human cancer. This review allowed a reflection about the true functions of miRNAs in bladder carcinogenesis. Not only by their wide capacities of action, but also by abilities in define the cell date. The future of anti-tumor target therapies will be based not in one, but in groups of miRNAs working together in several steps of carcinogenic process, being able to identify the disease, predicting behavior and effectively treat bladder cancer.

Keywords: Bladder cancer; Urothelial carcinoma; MiRNA; Biomarkers

Core tip: Bladder cancer is the second urological malignancy in incidence, currently being one of the most neoplasms studied with profile and biology poorly defined. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that play roles in many physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. This review brings new roles of protective and oncogenic miRNAs linked to carcinogenesis of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, and associated with behavior of disease. Most importantly, we provided a reflection about the true functions of miRNAs in bladder carcinogenesis, not only by their wide capacities of action, but also by abilities in define the cell date.