MicroRNAs interacting with endometrial cell receptors.

Unlocking Endometrial Cancer: How MicroRNAs Could Be the Key

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"New research explores the role of AhR and CAR-regulated microRNAs in endometrial tumors, offering potential new markers for early detection and treatment."

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a significant health concern, ranking as the most common malignancy of the female reproductive system. With incidence rates of 15-20 cases per 100,000 women and a concerning upward trend globally, including in industrialized nations like Russia, finding new ways to understand and combat this disease is critical. Modern approaches classify EC into two main types: estrogen-dependent (Type I) and estrogen-independent (Type II), each characterized by distinct genetic mutations and instabilities.

Beyond genetic factors, epigenetic mechanisms—such as changes in DNA methylation, chromatin structure, and microRNA (miRNA) expression—play a crucial role in endometrial cancer development. MicroRNAs (miRs), small non-coding RNA molecules, are key regulators of gene expression after transcription. By influencing cell metabolism, miRs can significantly contribute to malignant transformation in the endometrium.

Recent studies have highlighted altered expression patterns of oncogenic miRs in EC cells, suggesting their potential as diagnostic markers detectable in blood plasma. However, the underlying causes of these changes in miR profiles during malignant cell transformation remain largely unexplored. Factors like physiological changes and exposure to xenobiotics (foreign chemical substances) can influence miR expression, making it vital to understand how these compounds affect tumor development.

AhR and CAR: Gatekeepers of MicroRNA Expression in Endometrial Cancer

MicroRNAs interacting with endometrial cell receptors.

Researchers are focusing on how specific compounds activate AhR and CAR, nuclear receptors known to trigger the transcription of target genes, including miRs. This activation represents a key epigenetic mechanism through which environmental factors can influence cancer development. A recent study delved into identifying miRs potentially regulated by AhR and CAR in malignant endometrial tumors.

Using bioinformatic analysis, scientists pinpointed several microRNAs of interest: miR-28, miR-30c, miR-30e, miR-139, and miR-153 (potentially regulated by AhR); and miR-29c, miR-31, miR-185, miR-625, and miR-652 (potentially regulated by CAR). Notably, published data suggest that most of these miRs act as oncosuppressors (suppressors of cancer development), with the exception of miR-31, which can function as an oncogene under certain conditions.

The study highlighted several key findings:

Bioinformatic Identification: Specific miRs (miR-28, miR-30c, miR-30e, miR-139, miR-153, miR-29c, miR-31, miR-185, miR-625, and miR-652) were identified as potentially regulated by AhR and CAR.
Oncosuppressor Function: Most identified miRs, except miR-31, typically act as oncosuppressors, indicating their role in preventing cancer development.
Downregulation in Tumors: The majority of the studied miRs (excluding miR-652) showed significantly reduced expression (2-3 fold lower) in malignant endometrial tumors compared to normal tissue.
Potential Markers: These miRs may serve as potential markers for endometrial cancer, offering new avenues for early diagnosis and treatment.

To investigate the role of these miRs, the researchers examined their expression in malignant endometrial tumors. Their analysis revealed that the expression of most of these miRs, except for miR-652, was significantly lower (2-3 fold) in tumor tissues compared to normal endometrial tissue. This downregulation supports their expected oncosuppressor function and suggests their involvement in the development of endometrial cancer. The altered expression patterns also hint at their potential as markers for disease detection and monitoring.

Future Directions and Implications

These findings open new avenues for understanding the epigenetic mechanisms driving endometrial cancer. By demonstrating the altered expression of specific miRs regulated by AhR and CAR, this research highlights the potential for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Further research is needed to fully elucidate the intricate regulatory networks involving these receptors and miRs in endometrial cancer. Understanding how AhR and CAR activation (or inactivation) influences miR expression could pave the way for targeted therapies that restore normal miR function and suppress tumor growth.

Future studies should focus on: Validating these miRs as reliable biomarkers for early detection and risk assessment. Investigating the specific target genes of these miRs and their roles in endometrial cancer progression. Developing therapeutic interventions that modulate AhR and CAR activity or directly target miR expression to combat endometrial cancer. By unraveling these complexities, scientists can bring the field closer to personalized treatments and improved outcomes for women affected by endometrial cancer.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s10517-018-4242-3, Alternate LINK

Title: Expression Of Microrna Potentially Regulated By Ahr And Car In Malignant Tumors Of The Endometrium

Subject: General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Journal: Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: D. S. Ushakov, A. S. Dorozhkova, E. V. Babayants, V. Yu. Ovchinnikov, D. N. Kushlinskii, L. V. Adamyan, L. F. Gulyaeva, N. E. Kushlinskii

Published: 2018-09-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Endometrial Cancer and why is it a significant health concern?

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a significant health issue, being the most common malignancy in the female reproductive system. It's classified into two main types: estrogen-dependent (Type I) and estrogen-independent (Type II), which are characterized by distinct genetic mutations and instabilities. The incidence rates are approximately 15-20 cases per 100,000 women, with an increasing trend in many countries. Understanding the disease is critical for early detection and effective treatment.

What are MicroRNAs (miRs) and how do they relate to Endometrial Cancer?

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression after transcription. They influence cell metabolism and can significantly contribute to the development of endometrial cancer. Recent studies highlight altered expression patterns of oncogenic miRs in EC cells, indicating their potential as diagnostic markers. Factors like physiological changes and exposure to xenobiotics can affect miR expression, influencing tumor development.

What are AhR and CAR and what is their role in Endometrial Cancer?

AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) and CAR (constitutive androstane receptor) are nuclear receptors that trigger the transcription of target genes, including miRs. They are key epigenetic mechanisms through which environmental factors can influence cancer development. Researchers are investigating how specific compounds activate AhR and CAR to understand their role in regulating miRs in endometrial tumors. This research is crucial for identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

What specific microRNAs (miRs) have been identified in the study, and what do they do?

Researchers identified specific miRs, including miR-28, miR-30c, miR-30e, miR-139, miR-153, miR-29c, miR-31, miR-185, miR-625, and miR-652, as potentially regulated by AhR and CAR. Most of these miRs, except miR-31, act as oncosuppressors, preventing cancer development. The study revealed that the majority of these miRs showed reduced expression in malignant endometrial tumors compared to normal tissue, which supports their role in the disease.

What are the implications of these findings for future Endometrial Cancer research and treatment?

The study's findings open new avenues for understanding the epigenetic mechanisms driving endometrial cancer. By demonstrating the altered expression of specific miRs regulated by AhR and CAR, the research highlights the potential for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. These miRs may serve as potential markers for endometrial cancer, offering new avenues for early diagnosis and treatment, leading to more effective patient outcomes.