DLK1-MEG3 imprinted domain microRNAs in cancer biology.

A rapidly growing body of evidence highlights the involvement of DLK1-MEG3 imprinted domain in cell biology and cancer pathogenesis. The imprinted domain contains protein-coding genes, long non-coding RNAs, and various small non-coding RNAs. The imprinted microRNAs located here interact with important transcription factors, modulate fundamental signaling cascades, form molecular signatures with diagnostic and prognostic potential, and could differentiate chemoresistant from chemosensitive disease. Moreover, as they can be detected in patients' serum, are easy to obtain, and can be used as adjuvant diagnostic biomarkers with the potential of monitoring disease progression and response to treatment.