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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Molecular Profiling of the Invasive Tumor Microenvironment in a 3-Dimensional Model of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Ex vivo Fibroblasts
Published on: April 29, 2014
[Expression profiles of microRNA in colon adenocarcinoma]
Ming-Xin Zhang1, Hui Cai, Jian-Sheng Wang
1Department of Oncology Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an 710061, China.
Aim:
to investigate the difference of microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in colon adenocarcinoma and adjacent non-tumorous tissue (NT), for further studies on molecular mechanism of miRNA on colon adenocarcinoma.
Methods:
the fresh samples of 3 colon adenocarcinoma and NT were obtained and total RNA was isolated with TRIzol reagent. Hybridization was carried out on miRNA microarray chip. Quantitative Real Time polymerasechain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to confirm results obtained by microarray analysis.
Results:
80 miRNAs with more than 2-fold change could be differentially expressed between NT and colon adenocarcinoma. 27 human miRNAs were found significantly down-regulated, while 2 miRNAs was found significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). The expression of miRNAs measured by qRT-PCR were consistent with that by miRNA microarray analysis in the same samples.
Conclusion:
there were differentially expressed miRNAs in colon adenocarcinoma and NT. These different miRNAs might be correlated to the process of carcinogenesis and progression of colon adenocarcinoma. The miRNAs expression profiles might be an important molecular biomarker in the diagnosis of colon adenocarcinoma and target gene for tumor therapy.
Insights
MicroRNA (miRNA) expression differs between colon adenocarcinoma and normal tissue. These distinct miRNAs may serve as biomarkers for colon cancer diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Genomics
- Cancer research
Context:
- Colon adenocarcinoma is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying colon cancer is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in various cellular processes, including cancer development.
Purpose:
- To investigate differential microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in colon adenocarcinoma compared to adjacent non-tumorous tissue (NT).
- To explore the potential role of miRNAs in the molecular mechanisms of colon adenocarcinoma.
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers for colon cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Summary:
- A study analyzed miRNA expression in 3 pairs of colon adenocarcinoma and adjacent non-tumorous tissues using miRNA microarray and qRT-PCR.
- Significant differential expression was observed, with 80 miRNAs showing a >2-fold change.
- Specifically, 27 miRNAs were down-regulated and 2 were up-regulated in tumors (P<0.05), with qRT-PCR confirming microarray findings.
Impact:
- The identified differentially expressed miRNAs may be involved in colon cancer carcinogenesis and progression.
- miRNA expression profiles could serve as valuable molecular biomarkers for diagnosing colon adenocarcinoma.
- These miRNAs represent potential therapeutic targets for colon cancer treatment.
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