BAX and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Downregulation of miR-15/16 has been observed in CLL, prostate cancer, pituitary adenomas, and mesothelioma, thus contributing to high BCL2 expression in these malignancies.196–200 In leukemic cells, miR-145 downregulates BCL2 and simultaneously induces BAX expression.201 Additionally, the miRNAs themselves are influenced by lncRNAs that act as molecular sponges and thereby hinder the repressing effect of miRNAs.202