An interplay between MicroRNA and SOX4 in the regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer progression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are abundant class of small, noncoding RNAs which are emerging as a potential therapeutic target for various cancers. Sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility group box 4 (SOX4) is an important member of SOX family and a crucial master regulator of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) that has been implicated in tumor growth and progression. In cancers of epithelial origin and in some others, growing evidence has revealed a close association between miRNAs and SOX4. Most miRNAs are reported to modulate SOX4 by directly binding to SOX4 3'-untranslated region, thereby regulating cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT. In this review, we highlight the interaction of miRNAs with SOX4 in various cancers and discuss the possibility of combined miRNA-SOX4-based therapeutic approach that may serve as a targeted therapy for several cancers.