The regulatory role of autophagy-related miRNAs in lung cancer drug resistance

Autophagy is conserved cellular machinery that degrades un-usable proteins and cellular components and has a crucial role in the pathogenesis and drug resistance of various diseases such as lung cancer (LC). Multiple types of endogenous molecules (i.e. miRNAs) have been found to regulate multiple biological processes, such as autophagy. Dysfunction of these molecules is associated with the onset and progression of a variety of human malignancies. Several studies had shown that some miRNAs could mediate autophagy activity in LC cells, which would affect drug resistance as a major problem in LC therapy. Therefore, identifying the underlying molecular targets of miRNAs and their function in autophagy pathways could develop new treatment interventions for LC patients. In this review, we will summarize the interplay between miRNAs, autophagy, and drug resistance of LC patients, as well as the genes and molecular pathways that are involved.