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Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
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Circulating MicroRNAs in Cancer: Potential and Challenge
Mengying Cui1, Hongdan Wang2, Xiaoxiao Yao1
1Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Frontiers in Genetics
|August 6, 2019
Summary
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are stable molecules in the blood, reflecting cancer status. Research explores their potential as noninvasive cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets, despite clinical application challenges.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules found in circulation.
- These circulating miRNAs are stable and involved in biological regulation.
- Aberrant expression of circulating miRNAs is linked to cancer initiation and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological functions and transport of circulating miRNAs.
- To discuss the role of circulating miRNAs as cancer biomarkers.
- To explore the challenges and potential of circulating miRNAs in cancer therapy and clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on circulating miRNAs in cancer.
- Analysis of miRNA biogenesis, transport, and function.
- Evaluation of current and emerging detection techniques for circulating miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Circulating miRNAs are implicated in intercellular communication and disease states.
- Changes in circulating miRNA levels correlate with cancer presence and advancement.
- Extracellular miRNAs show promise as noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miRNAs offer potential for early cancer detection and monitoring.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges for clinical translation.
- miRNAs represent a promising avenue for targeted cancer therapy.
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