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MicroRNAs in colorectal neoplasia: from pathobiology to clinical applications

Antonios N Gargalionis, Efthimia K Basdra, Athanasios G Papavassiliou1

  • 1Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Athens Medical School, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece. papavas@med.uoa.gr.

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|May 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. Detecting extracellular miRNAs in patient samples offers promising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • miRNAs play critical roles in both normal development and pathological conditions, including cancer.
  • In colorectal cancer (CRC), dysregulated miRNAs act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, affecting key cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of microRNAs in colorectal cancer.
  • To highlight the potential of extracellular miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for CRC diagnosis.
  • To discuss the therapeutic applications of miRNA-based strategies in CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on miRNA function in CRC.
  • Analysis of data on extracellular miRNA detection in CRC patient samples (plasma, feces).
  • Evaluation of in vivo and in vitro CRC models for miRNA-based therapeutics.

Main Results:

  • Numerous miRNAs are identified as up- or downregulated in CRC, serving as tumor-specific markers.
  • miRNA dysregulation impacts crucial cellular functions like proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis.
  • Extracellular miRNAs in plasma and feces show potential as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are integral to colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
  • Extracellular miRNAs represent a promising avenue for non-invasive CRC diagnosis.
  • miRNA inhibition and delivery strategies hold therapeutic potential for colorectal cancer treatment.

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