The role of microRNAs in the development, progression and drug resistance of chronic myeloid leukemia and their potential clinical significance

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the bone marrow characterized by an uncontrolled increase in the production of myeloid cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of non-coding RNA molecules with a length of 19 to 25 nucleotides that participate in the regulation of gene expression after transcription. They also play an important role in many physiological processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and hematopoiesis. The alterations in miRNA expression are associated with malignancies, including CML, which act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors. MiRNA is secreted by cells and is found in body fluids such as blood, serum, and plasma. Alterations in miRNA levels can distinguish CML patients from healthy individuals. In this review, we summarize the roles of several miRNAs and their target genes in the development, progression, and drug resistance of CML as well as the effects of treatment on the expression of these miRNAs. Further, we discuss the potential role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response of CML.