MicroRNA-381 in human cancer: Its involvement in tumour biology and clinical applications potential

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. MiRNAs are involved in the development and progression of a wide range of cancers. Among such cancer-associated miRNAs, miR-381 has been a major focus of research. The expression pattern and role of miR-381 vary among different cancer types. MiR-381 modulates various cellular behaviours in cancer, including proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion. MiR-381 is also involved in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, as well as in the resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. MiR-381 itself is regulated by several factors, such as long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs and cytokines. Aberrant expression of miR-381 in blood samples indicates that it can be used as a diagnostic marker in cancer. Tissue miR-381 expression may serve as a prognostic factor for the clinicopathological characteristics of cancers and survival of patients. Metformin and icaritin regulate miR-381 expression and present anticancer properties. This review comprehensively summarizes the effect of miR-381 on tumour biological behaviours, as well as the clinical application potential of miR-381 for the treatment of cancer.