MicroRNAs as novel biomarkers for colorectal cancer: New outlooks
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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
Naghmeh Shirafkan1, Behzad Mansoori1, Ali Mohammadi2
1Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers with high mortality in the world. MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through targeting mRNAs. MicroRNAs involve in many biological and pathological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis. etc. Dysregulation of miRNAs expression patterns have been reported in many tumors including Colorectal Cancer. Various studies indicate that miRNAs can be utilized as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for evaluation of tumor initiation, development, invasion, metastasis and response to chemotherapeutic drugs. Numerous investigations have also shown dysregulation of miRNAs in tissue samples and body fluids such as serum, plasma and fecal samples from CRC patients. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that miRNAs have regulatory roles in response to anti-cancer drugs and suggested them as predictive factors for successful treatment. In this review, we highlight the facts concerning tumor suppressor miRNAs and oncomiRs in CRC; by emphasizing their importance in different signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β catenin activation, EGFR pathway, (TGF-ß) and the TP53 network and then their potential as biomarker and targets for cancer treatment.
Insights
MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and are crucial in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Dysregulated microRNAs show potential as biomarkers for CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and predicting treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression and cellular processes like growth and apoptosis.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is observed in various cancers, including CRC, affecting tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microRNAs in colorectal cancer.
- To highlight tumor suppressor miRNAs and oncomiRs in CRC.
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for CRC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microRNAs in colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of miRNA involvement in key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, EGFR, TGF-β, TP53).
- Evaluation of miRNAs as biomarkers in tissue and body fluids (serum, plasma, feces).
Main Results:
- MicroRNA dysregulation is implicated in CRC development and progression.
- Specific miRNAs function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes (oncomiRs) in CRC.
- MicroRNAs are found altered in CRC tissues and patient biofluids.
- miRNAs play regulatory roles in response to anti-cancer drugs, serving as predictive markers.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are critical players in colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
- Dysregulated miRNAs in CRC are promising biomarkers for early detection and prognosis.
- miRNAs represent potential therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer treatment.
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