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Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

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...

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

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 ends...

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

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 ends...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis

CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis

Published on: April 25, 2022

MiRNAs, epigenetics, and cancer.

Arefeh Rouhi¹, Dixie L Mager, R Keith Humphries

¹Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency Research Centre, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1L3.

Mammalian Genome : Official Journal of the International Mammalian Genome Society

|August 9, 2008

Summary

Epigenetic changes in cancer can alter microRNA (miRNA) expression by affecting their host genes. This review explores how these modifications influence miRNA regulation and function in oncogenesis.

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

Published on: October 7, 2025

Area of Science:

Oncology
Molecular Biology
Epigenetics

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play context-dependent roles in cancer, acting as tumor suppressors or oncogenes due to their multiple targets.
Genome-wide epigenetic alterations are common in cancers and impact gene transcription.
The transcriptional regulation of miRNAs, especially in response to epigenetic changes, is largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing literature on the epigenetic regulation of miRNA genes in various cancers.
To explore the potential impact of epigenetic modifications on miRNA transcription and expression.
To elucidate the direct and indirect mechanisms by which epigenetic changes affect miRNA expression.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies investigating epigenetic regulation of miRNA genes in cancer.
Analysis of the relationship between host gene transcription and intronic miRNA expression.
Speculative analysis of epigenetic mechanisms influencing miRNA regulation.

Main Results:

Many miRNAs are located within introns of protein-coding genes, making their expression susceptible to host gene transcriptional changes.
Epigenetic modifications can influence miRNA expression both directly and indirectly.
The precise mechanisms of epigenetic regulation on miRNA transcription in cancer require further investigation.

Conclusions:

Epigenetic changes in cancer have the potential to significantly alter miRNA expression patterns.
Understanding these epigenetic regulatory mechanisms is crucial for deciphering miRNA roles in oncogenesis.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the interplay between epigenetics and miRNA regulation in cancer development.