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Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
MicroRNA in colorectal cancer: from benchtop to bedside
William K K Wu1, Priscilla T Y Law, Chung W Lee
1Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract:
Colon carcinogenesis represents a stepwise progression from benign polyps to invasive adenocarcinomas and distant metastasis. It is believed that these pathologic changes are contributed by aberrant activation or inactivation of protein-coding proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. However, recent discoveries in microRNA (miRNA) research have reshaped our understanding of the role of non-protein-coding genes in carcinogenesis. In this regard, a remarkable number of miRNAs exhibit differential expression in colon cancer tissues. These miRNAs alter cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis through their interactions with intracellular signaling networks. From a clinical perspective, polymorphisms within miRNA-binding sites are associated with the risk for colon cancer, whereas miRNAs isolated from feces or blood may serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis. Altered expression of miRNA or polymorphisms in miRNA-related genes have also been shown to correlate with patient survival or treatment outcome. With further insights into miRNA dysregulation in colon cancer and the advancement of RNA delivery technology, it is anticipated that novel miRNA-based therapeutics will emerge.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in colon cancer development and progression. These non-coding RNAs are promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets in colon cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colon cancer progresses through stages involving genetic alterations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
- Emerging research highlights the significant role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in colon carcinogenesis.
- Dysregulated miRNAs are increasingly recognized as key players in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted roles of miRNAs in colon cancer.
- To investigate the clinical implications of miRNA alterations in colon cancer.
- To assess the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on miRNA expression and function in colon cancer.
- Analysis of studies investigating miRNA polymorphisms and their association with colon cancer risk.
- Examination of research on circulating miRNAs as potential biomarkers.
Main Results:
- A significant number of miRNAs show differential expression in colon cancer tissues, impacting cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis.
- Polymorphisms in miRNA-binding sites are linked to increased colon cancer risk.
- miRNAs in bodily fluids like feces and blood show potential as early diagnostic biomarkers.
- Altered miRNA expression and polymorphisms correlate with patient survival and treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are pivotal in colon cancer pathogenesis and progression.
- miRNAs represent a promising avenue for early colon cancer detection and risk assessment.
- Advancements in RNA delivery technology may lead to novel miRNA-based therapeutics for colon cancer.
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