Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
10:33
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
How microRNAs influence both hereditary and inflammatory-mediated colon cancers
Jennifer Hutchison1, Zoe Cohen, Benjamin C Onyeagucha
1Physiological Sciences Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
Cancer Genetics
|September 18, 2013
Summary
MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and impact colon cancer development. This study examines how microRNA dysregulation in colon cancer is linked to hereditary conditions and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-translational regulators of gene expression.
- miRNAs play critical roles in physiological and pathological processes, including human colon cancer.
- Dysregulated miRNA expression can promote or suppress tumor development, acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of deregulated microRNAs in colon cancer.
- To investigate the connection between microRNA expression and hereditary colon cancer predispositions.
- To explore the influence of inflammatory bowel diseases on microRNA deregulation in colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of miRNA expression patterns in colon cancer.
- Correlation of miRNA alterations with genetic predispositions and inflammatory conditions.
Main Results:
- MicroRNA deregulation is a common feature in colon cancer.
- Specific miRNA expression profiles are associated with hereditary colon cancer syndromes like Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) are linked to altered miRNA expression in the context of colon cancer development.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of colon cancer.
- Understanding miRNA dysregulation in hereditary and inflammatory contexts is crucial for colon cancer research.
- Targeting specific microRNAs may offer novel therapeutic strategies for colon cancer.
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...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:06Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...
Somatic cells are...
03:03mTOR 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...
The mTOR pathway or the...