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Updated: Feb 2, 2026
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
MicroRNA: A new player in response to therapy for colorectal cancer
Mostafa Sarvizadeh1, Ziba V Malekshahi2, Ebrahim Razi1
1The Advocate Center for Clinical Research, Ayatollah Yasrebi Hospital, Kashan, Iran.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the important malignancies that result in cancer-related deaths worldwide. Multiple lines of evidence have indicated that different responses to therapy in CRC cells led to the failure of the current therapies. Hence, identification of the underlying cellular and molecular pathways involved in the emergence of different responses from CRC cells could contribute to finding and designing new therapeutic platforms to overcome the present limitations. Among the various targets involved in CRC pathogenesis, microRNAs (miRNAs) have key roles in many signaling pathways that are associated with the initiation and progression of CRC. Increasing evidence has confirmed that miRNAs as epigenetic regulators could play critical roles in the response (resistance or sensitivity) to therapy. Cancer stem cells are well-known players in resistance to therapy in CRC. They have been shown to play significant roles via inhibition and activation of many miRNA networks. Hence, miRNAs could be involved in the resistance and sensitivity of therapy in CRC cells via affecting different mechanisms, such as activation of cancer stem cells. Here, we summarized the role of various miRNAs in response to therapy of CRC cells. Moreover, we highlighted the roles of these molecules in the function of cancer stem cells, which are known as important players in the resistance to therapy in CRC.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial epigenetic regulators in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy response. Understanding their role in cancer stem cells is key to overcoming therapeutic resistance in CRC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Therapeutic resistance in CRC cells necessitates understanding underlying molecular mechanisms.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are epigenetic regulators implicated in CRC initiation, progression, and therapy response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the role of various miRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy response.
- To highlight the involvement of miRNAs in cancer stem cell (CSC) functions related to CRC therapy resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on miRNAs, CRC, and cancer stem cells.
- Analysis of signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms involving miRNAs in CRC therapy response.
- Investigation of the interplay between miRNAs and cancer stem cells in mediating therapeutic resistance.
Main Results:
- MiRNAs play critical roles in determining sensitivity or resistance to therapy in CRC cells.
- MiRNAs regulate various signaling pathways involved in CRC pathogenesis.
- MiRNAs influence cancer stem cell (CSC) networks, contributing significantly to therapy resistance in CRC.
Conclusions:
- MiRNAs are key epigenetic regulators influencing CRC therapy outcomes.
- Targeting miRNA networks, particularly those involving cancer stem cells, offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies in CRC.
- Further research into miRNA-mediated mechanisms is essential for overcoming therapeutic limitations in colorectal cancer.
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