miR-24 and its Role as an Oncogene in Cancer

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of genes involved in numerous cellular processes, including proliferation, metabolism, differentiation and apoptosis. Changes in the expression levels of miRNAs are associated with the development of various diseases, including cancer. Dysregulation of miRNA expression has been demonstrated to have a role in tumorigenesis and it has been revealed that some miRNAs can act either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in cancer. miRNA-24 has been identified as an oncogene in various types of cancer. This review discusses the function of miRNA-24 as oncogene in gastric cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and leukemia.