Peptide-mediated modulation of miRNAs: A novel therapeutic strategy for cancer

MicroRNAs are essential post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, playing dual roles in oncogenesis as either oncogenes or tumour suppressors. Aberrant miRNA expression is a critical factor in cancer progression, influencing tumour development, metastasis, resistance to apoptosis, and therapy evasion. Concurrently, therapeutic peptides have emerged as promising modulators of miRNA activity due to their specificity, low toxicity, and ability to interact with nucleic acids. This review provides of peptide-mediated modulation of miRNA pathways in cancer, emphasising strategies such as degradation of oncogenic miRNAs, stabilization of tumour-suppressive miRNAs, and the targeted delivery of miRNA therapeutics. These methodologies demonstrate the potential to reverse malignant phenotypes by reducing cell proliferation, suppressing metastasis, restoring normal cellular functions, and promoting apoptosis. The integration of peptide-based delivery systems with miRNA-targeted therapies represents a novel paradigm in precision oncology, addressing key challenges related to therapeutic specificity and systemic delivery.