MircoRNAs as regulators of regulated cell death in cancer progression: a focus on ferroptosis, anoikis and pyroptosis

Abstract

Cancer progression is shaped not only by genetic alterations but also by dynamic remodeling of regulated cell death. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as central regulators of these processes by coordinating gene expression, metabolic balance, and stress responses. This review summarizes current understanding of how miRNAs modulate ferroptosis, anoikis, and pyroptosis across liver, lung, gastric, breast, and other cancers. They influence ferroptosis through lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems, regulate anoikis via integrin signaling and cytoskeletal remodeling, and tune pyroptosis through inflammasome activation and gasdermin-mediated pore formation. Emerging evidence suggests that miRNAs function as integrative nodes linking metabolic reprogramming, immune-inflammatory signaling, and adaptive survival pathways. Their stability, druggability, and cross-pathway influence highlight their promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and advancing RNA-based technologies may enable more precise manipulation of cell-death programs to overcome resistance and refine cancer treatment.