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MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

Published on: October 7, 2025

MicroRNAs and cancer epigenetics.

Muller Fabbri¹

¹Ohio State University, Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 410 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. mullerfabbri@hotmail.com

Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs (London, England : 2000)

|June 3, 2008

Summary

Epigenetics and microRNAs (miRNAs) are key gene regulators. Aberrant epigenetic and miRNA functions are linked in cancer, suggesting a shared regulatory network that may offer new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Cancer Research

Background:

Epigenetics involves heritable gene expression changes without DNA alterations, primarily through DNA methylation and histone modifications.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression.
Both epigenetic and miRNA dysregulation are implicated in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the interconnectedness of epigenetic and miRNA regulatory mechanisms in cancer.
To investigate how epigenetic machinery influences miRNA expression and vice versa.
To identify potential therapeutic strategies based on the interplay between epigenetics and miRNAs.

Main Methods:

Review of current literature on epigenetics, miRNAs, and cancer.

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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

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miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues

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Published on: September 8, 2015

Analysis of studies demonstrating epigenetic regulation of miRNA expression.

Examination of research showing miRNA control over epigenetic factors.

Main Results:

Evidence suggests a bidirectional regulatory relationship between the epigenome and miRNome.
Epigenetic mechanisms control the expression of specific miRNAs.
miRNAs can target and modulate components of the epigenetic machinery.

Conclusions:

The epigenome and miRNome are not independently altered in cancer but are intricately linked.
Understanding this crosstalk is crucial for deciphering cancer biology.
This interconnectedness presents promising avenues for novel cancer therapies.