Progress of microRNAs in molecular radiobiology

MicroRNAs (miRNAs)are recently identified short non-coding RNAs that down-regulate gene expression and play an important role in components of the radiation-induced radiobiologic response, such as apoptosis, radiation tolerance and bystander effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that miRNAs may be associated with the responses of cells to radiation treatment. MiRNAs may serve as potential new targets for co-therapies aiming to improve the effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients. (authors)