Insights into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms governing X-chromosome-linked-miRNAs expression in cancer; a step-toward ncRNA precision

Nadia M Hamdy; Mohamed Bakr Zaki; Nourhan M Abdelmaksoud; Rehab A Ismail; Mai A Abd-Elmawla; Nehal I Rizk; Doaa Fathi; Ahmed I Abulsoud

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138773

Insights into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms governing X-chromosome-linked-miRNAs expression in cancer; a step-toward ncRNA precision

Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Dec 13:289:138773. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138773. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Nadia M Hamdy¹, Mohamed Bakr Zaki², Nourhan M Abdelmaksoud³, Rehab A Ismail³, Mai A Abd-Elmawla⁴, Nehal I Rizk⁵, Doaa Fathi⁶, Ahmed I Abulsoud⁷

Affiliations

¹ Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt. Electronic address: nadia_hamdy@pharma.asu.edu.eg.
² Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt.
³ Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt.
⁴ Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo 11562, Egypt.
⁵ Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Technology, Egyptian Chinese University, Cairo 11786, Egypt.
⁶ Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt.
⁷ Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11231, Egypt.

PMID: 39675615
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.138773

Abstract

Sex chromosomes play a significant role in establishing sex-specific differences in gene expression, thereby contributing to phenotypic diversity and susceptibility to various diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNAs encoded by both the X and Y chromosomes, exhibit sex-specific regulatory characteristics. Computational analysis has identified several X-linked miRNAs differentially expressed in sex-specific cancers. This review aims to elucidate the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that govern the sex-specific expression of X- and Y-linked miRNAs, with particular attention to their functional role in regulating diverse cellular processes in different cancer pathways. In addition, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the targeted therapeutic interventions and critical insights into the potential clinical implications of targeting sex-specific miRNAs. In conclusion, this review opens new horizons for further research to effectively translate these findings into viable treatment options.

Keywords: Cancer; Epigenetics; Genes; In silico; Precision medicine; X-linked; miRs.

Publication types

Review