The roles of microRNAs in neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood and displays remarkable heterogeneity in clinical behaviors, ranging from spontaneous regression to rapid progression or resistance to multimodal treatment. Recent evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, are involved in tumor development and progression. This article aimed to review recent advances in investigating the roles of miRNAs in NB. METHODS We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE database for articles about the expression profile, functions and target genes of miRNAs in NB. RESULTS We reviewed the most recent evidence regarding the functional roles of oncogenic and tumor suppressive miRNAs in NB and application of novel miRNA-based methods for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. CONCLUSIONS Deregulation of miRNAs is associated with the development and progression of NB, suggesting that miRNAs may serve as novel targets for the treatment of high-risk NB patients. However, their precise functions and underlying mechanisms still warrant further studies.