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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
09:06
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: a macrorevolution
Veronica Davalos1, Manel Esteller
1Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Current Opinion in Oncology
|November 13, 2009
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly implicated in cancer development and progression. Epigenetic silencing of miRNA genes contributes to their reduced levels in tumors, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in tumorigenesis.
- Research in miRNA and cancer has rapidly advanced.
- This review focuses on recent findings in cancer epigenetics and clinical applications of miRNAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on miRNAs in cancer.
- To highlight the role of epigenetics in miRNA deregulation.
- To discuss potential clinical applications of miRNAs in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on miRNAs in cancer.
- Focus on epigenetic mechanisms of miRNA dysregulation.
- Exploration of clinical applications and therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- Global reduction of miRNA levels is a hallmark of cancer.
- Epigenetic silencing of miRNA genes contributes to their downregulation.
- Some miRNAs target epigenetic machinery enzymes (DNMTs, HDACs, HMTs).
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are multifunctional tools for cancer therapy due to their ability to regulate multiple genes.
- Restoring miRNA levels may re-establish altered molecular pathways in cancer.
- Further research is needed to validate miRNA-based therapies and understand miRNome regulation.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
01:37Epigenetic 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...
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.