Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
miRNAs as biomarkers in colorectal cancer diagnosis and prognosis
1Translational Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University Medical Center, State University of New York-Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8691, USA. jiju@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Abstract:
Since the discovery of noncoding small miRNAs and their function in controlling mRNA translational rate, the small non-coding miRNA world has become a research wonderland for cancer and other human diseases. Due to the critical regulatory function, miRNA can act as an oncogene or a tumor-suppressor gene. This review will cover some of the recent discoveries of the potential of miRNAs as cancer biomarkers in colorectal cancer, future challenges and solutions.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are implicated in cancer. This review explores their potential as colorectal cancer biomarkers, discussing current challenges and future directions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate messenger RNA (mRNA) translation.
- miRNAs play critical roles in cellular processes, influencing both oncogenesis and tumor suppression.
- Dysregulation of miRNA expression is linked to various human diseases, particularly cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent discoveries on the potential of miRNAs as cancer biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC).
- To highlight the dual role of miRNAs as potential oncogenes or tumor suppressors in CRC.
- To discuss existing challenges and propose solutions for utilizing miRNAs in CRC diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on miRNA biomarkers in colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of miRNA regulatory mechanisms in cancer development.
- Synthesis of current data on miRNA detection and clinical application.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are emerging as promising biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of colorectal cancer.
- Specific miRNA signatures are associated with different stages and subtypes of colorectal cancer.
- The review consolidates evidence supporting miRNAs' diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs hold significant promise as non-invasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in standardization and clinical translation.
- Harnessing miRNA potential could revolutionize colorectal cancer management.
More Related Videos
08:14MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier (MSC) for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
09:06MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs