Involvement of TAL1-microRNA Axis in the Progression of T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia 1 (TAL-1) transcription factor is crucial for T-cell differentiation, but the ectopic expression in 30% of cases can disrupt normal differentiation, and promote cancer progression. This can be due to microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation or other oncogenes. The present study covers articles related to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), TAL-1 and miRNA, which were published in the English language from 1994 to 2023. After analyzing the research, it is evident that the TAL-1 overexpression is associated with alterations in several miRNAs, which encompass both those that suppress tumors, and those that stimulate cell growth. The interplay between TAL-1 and miRNAs exhibits diverse dynamics. For example, specific miRNAs, such as miR-223, interact with the TAL-1 gene promoter, resulting in its upregulation. In contrast, the miR-17-92 cluster indirectly influences the stability of the TAL-1 transcription complex. Typically, the interaction between TAL-1 and its associated miRNAs follows a unidirectional pattern, in which miRNAs that target TAL-1 are downregulated, leading to elevated TAL-1 levels. Nevertheless, TAL-1 exhibits a bidirectional relationship with miR-223, in which each positively affects the expression of the other. In addition, there is a cooperative interaction between miR-146-5b and TAL-1. Unlike miR-223, TAL-1 reduces the expression of miR-146-5b, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. Individuals with T-ALL, who experience disruptions in the TAL-1 and miRNA network, often face a poor prognosis, and their tumors tend to be larger. In conclusion, delving deeper into the network of miRNAs associated with TAL-1 in T-ALL offers a novel perspective on cancer prognosis and the development of improved diagnostic and treatment strategies.