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Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
Autophagy regulated by miRNAs in colorectal cancer progression and resistance
Andrew Fesler1, Hua Liu1, Ning Wu1,2
1Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA.
Abstract:
The catabolic process of autophagy is an essential cellular function that allows for the breakdown and recycling of cellular macromolecules. In recent years, the impact of epigenetic regulation of autophagy by non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) has been recognized in human cancer. In colorectal cancer, Autophagy plays critical roles in cancer progression as well as resistance to chemotherapy, and recent evidence demonstrates that miRNAs are directly involved in mediating these functions. In this review, we will focus on the recent advancements in the field of miRNA regulation of autophagy in colorectal cancer.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) epigenetically regulate autophagy, a cellular recycling process. This review highlights miRNA
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Oncology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Autophagy is a crucial catabolic process for cellular macromolecule breakdown and recycling.
- Epigenetic regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) is increasingly recognized in human cancers.
- Autophagy significantly influences colorectal cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding miRNA regulation of autophagy in colorectal cancer.
- To elucidate the role of miRNAs in mediating autophagy's functions in colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on miRNA-autophagy interactions in colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking miRNAs, autophagy, and colorectal cancer.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are directly involved in modulating autophagy in colorectal cancer.
- Specific miRNAs can promote or inhibit autophagy, impacting cancer progression.
- miRNA-mediated autophagy regulation contributes to chemotherapy resistance.
Conclusions:
- miRNA regulation of autophagy is a key epigenetic mechanism in colorectal cancer.
- Targeting miRNA-autophagy pathways presents potential therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex interactions.
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