MicroRNAs (miRNA) are key regulators of gene expression, controlling different biological processes such as cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. The relationships between miRNA expression and the onset and progression of different diseases, such as tumours, cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases, and neurological disorders, are well known. A nanotechnology-based approach could match miRNA delivery and detection to move beyond the proof-of-concept stage. Different kinds of nanotechnologies can have a major impact on the diagnosis and treatment of miRNA-related diseases such as cancer. Developing novel methodologies aimed at clinical practice represents a big challenge for the early diagnosis of specific diseases. Within this context, nanotechnology represents a wide emerging area at the forefront of research over the last two decades, whose potential has yet to be fully attained. Nanomedicine, derived from nanotechnology, can exploit the unique properties of nanometer-sized particles for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Through nanomedicine, specific treatment to counteract only cancer-cell proliferation will be improved, while leaving healthy cells intact. In this review, we dissect the properties of different nanocarriers and their roles in the early detection and treatment of cancer.

Center for Developmental Biology and Reprogramming Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Sassari Viale San Pietro 43 B 07100 Sassari Italy

Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Sassari 07100 Sassari Italy

Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Sassari 07100 Sassari Italy

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Veterinary and Sciences Brno Palackeho tr 1946 1 612 42 Brno Czech Republic

Institute of Biophysics 2nd Faculty of Medicine Charles University 5 Uvalu 84 150 06 Prague Czech Republic

University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings Czech Technical University Prague Trinecka 1024 273 43 Bustehrad Czech Republic

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