Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
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
468
Exploiting microRNAs As Cancer Therapeutics.
Tamsin Robb1, Glen Reid2,3, Cherie Blenkiron4,5,6
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Targeted Oncology
|February 1, 2017
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression implicated in cancer. Therapeutic strategies involving miRNA replacement or inhibition show promise for novel cancer treatments, but delivery methods require further development for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs).
- Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to cancer development and progression.
- miRNAs offer potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of miRNAs in cancer treatment.
- To discuss strategies for harnessing miRNAs for cancer therapy, including replacement and inhibition.
- To highlight the role of miRNA delivery systems and biomarker applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on miRNA function in cancer.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies involving miRNA replacement and inhibition.
- Discussion of miRNA delivery systems and biomarker applications.
Main Results:
- miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating cancer-associated genes and pathways.
- Both replacement of tumor-suppressive miRNAs and inhibition of oncogenic miRNAs are viable therapeutic approaches.
- miRNA signatures are valuable biomarkers for understanding and treating tumors.
Conclusions:
- miRNA-based therapeutics hold significant promise for novel cancer treatments.
- Further development of safe and effective miRNA delivery strategies is essential for clinical translation.
- miRNAs are powerful tools for both cancer therapy and diagnostics.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
4.2K
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...
4.2K
01:22MicroRNAs
24.5K
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...
24.5K
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
5.0K
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...
5.0K
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
5.3K
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.3K