Deciphering the Angiogenic Switch: The Role of <scp>miRNAs</scp> in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, exhibits a pivotal role in breast cancer progression and promotes metastasis. This complex biological process is influenced by the dynamic balance of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors within the tumor microenvironment, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, and angiopoietins. Targeted therapeutic strategies have been developed to interfere with angiogenic signaling, aiming to normalize or inhibit the tumor vasculature. In recent years, miRNAs have arisen as crucial post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression implicated in angiogenic homeostasis. These microRNAs can function as either promoters or suppressors of angiogenesis by targeting mRNAs that encode angiogenic factors or other signaling molecules. Deregulated expressions of these miRNAs in BC are associated with perturbed angiogenesis, tumor progression, and therapeutic resistance. This review presents a thorough overview of the molecular processes controlling angiogenesis in BC and highlights the emerging roles of angioregulatory miRNAs. The article also discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNAs to modulate tumor angiogenesis, providing novel insights for the development of miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics in BC management.