miRNA deregulation in multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy and is the second most common hematological cancer. It is characterized by complex, recurrent genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. Recent publications have linked miRNAs, a novel class of gene regulators to cancer including MM. miRNAs are about 20 nucleotide, single strand, non-coding RNAs that repress gene expression by mRNA degradation or translational repression. Aberrant miRNA expression profiles have been described in MM, and their functional roles in MM pathogenesis are being increasingly recognized. This review summarizes the current literature on the role of miRNAs in MM and offers perspectives on future research and utilization of miRNAs in MM management.