The role of microRNAs in modulating Wnt signaling pathway dynamics and their therapeutic implications in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer worldwide and exhibits the highest mortality rate among all cancers. It primarily consists of two subtypes: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with NSCLC representing 80–85% of cases. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is crucial in lung cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, significantly influence the tumor microenvironment by modulating cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis through the targeting of specific genes. Depending on their targets, miRNAs can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets. Additionally, miRNAs serve as novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. Understanding the key miRNAs involved in lung cancer and their interactions with pathways like Wnt is essential for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on how specific miRNAs affect the Wnt pathway's components and their roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets in NSCLC. Ultimately, this review aims to improve clinical outcomes and facilitate personalized therapeutic approaches for this aggressive malignancy.