MiRNAs: main players of cancer drug resistance target ABC transporters

Abstract

Chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of cancer treatment; however, its efficacy is frequently compromised by the development of chemoresistance. Multidrug resistance (MDR), characterized by the refractoriness of cancer cells to a wide array of chemotherapeutic agents, presents a significant barrier to achieving successful and sustained cancer remission. One critical factor contributing to this chemoresistance is the overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Furthermore, additional mechanisms, such as the malfunctioning of apoptosis, alterations in DNA repair systems, and resistance mechanisms inherent to cancer stem cells, exacerbate the issue. Intriguingly, microRNAs (miRNAs) have demonstrated potential in modulating chemoresistance by specifically targeting ABC transporters, thereby offering promising new avenues for overcoming drug resistance. This narrative review aims to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of drug resistance, with a particular focus on the roles of ABC transporters and the regulatory influence of miRNAs on these transporters.

Keywords: ABC transporter; Chemotherapy; Drug resistance; MDR; MicroRNA; Multidrug resistance.