Fig. 2.

Processes influenced by the action of miR-21 in NSCLC, according to the published literature. By inhibiting the expression of Akt via PTEN, miR-21 increases the rate of growth and proliferation. The inhibition of PTEN also results in impairment of migration and invasion and in sensitivity to chemotherapy. Sensitivity to radiotherapy is controlled via inhibition of PDCD4 or activation of HIF-1α gene and PI3 K/Akt/mTOR pathway by miR-21. Increased glycolysis appears as a result of stimulated expression of HIF-1α by miR-21. The action of stimulating the migration and invasion is reflected in the inhibition of SMAD7 that modulates the expression of TGF-β