Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

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

Exploiting the therapeutic potential of microRNAs in human cancer

William C S Cho

    Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
    |February 21, 2012
    PubMed

    Insights

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as cancer therapeutics by targeting genes involved in tumor growth and spread. Challenges in delivery and off-target effects are being addressed by ongoing research and advanced drug systems.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Molecular Biology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is linked to cancer development and progression.
    • Specific miRNAs are emerging as potential therapeutic targets in oncology.
    • OncomiRs can be inhibited or overexpressed to impact cancer gene expression.

    Discussion:

    • miRNAs can suppress cancer proliferation and metastasis by regulating target genes.
    • Some miRNAs reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition, aiding in cancer treatment.
    • miRNAs can enhance cancer cell sensitivity to DNA-damaging chemotherapy drugs.

    Key Insights:

    • Anticancer effects of miRNAs have been validated in preclinical animal models.
    • miRNA-based therapy offers broad targeting across signaling pathways.
    • Potential drawbacks include unknown off-target effects and delivery challenges.

    Outlook:

    • Advancements in systemic drug delivery systems are improving therapeutic prospects.
    • New research findings offer an optimistic view for miRNA-based cancer therapeutics.
    • The field is rapidly evolving, with significant potential for clinical translation.

    More Related Videos

    An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells09:45

    An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells

    Published on: May 21, 2019

    Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy09:40

    Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy

    Published on: October 4, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    MicroRNAs01:22

    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...
    MicroRNAs01:22

    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...
    MicroRNAs01:22

    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...
    mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

    mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

    The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
    The mTOR pathway or the...