Molecular insight into the therapeutic potential of miR-34a in retinoblastoma.

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the predominant type of eye cancer in children, particularly affecting those under three. Early diagnosis is crucial as RB can be fatal if left untreated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), non-coding RNAs, have emerged as significant regulators of various cellular processes and are increasingly recognized for their influence on RB development and treatment resistance. Dysregulation of miR-34a expression has been implicated in various aspects of tumorigenesis, including processes critical for cancer progression: epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) within the tumor, invasive growth, and metastasis. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying miR-34a function in RB is crucial for the development of effective diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. The abundance of miR-34a is further fine-tuned through context-dependent feedback loops. This review comprehensively examines the current understanding of miR-34a's functions in various human diseases. We focus on how miR-34a expression is regulated and disrupted, its involvement in human cancers specifically RB, and its potential as a biomarker for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, we explore the potential of miR-34a as a novel therapeutic target in RB.