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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Role of microRNAs in the predisposition to gastrointestinal malignancies
1Department of Tumor Molecular Biology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villfejuif 94805, France.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly deregulated in cancer and play a role in the initiation of tumorigenesis. Recently, miRNAs have attracted attention in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could affect the genes involved in each step of miRNA biosynthesis. Several meta-analyses of case-control studies have assessed the association between miRNA "pathway" gene-SNPs (including biosynthesis regulators and binding sites) and susceptibility to GI cancers. We present in this mini-review the current knowledge on the association between miRNAs "pathway" genes and GI cancer predisposition. The interaction between miRNA/regulators/binding site-SNPs and environmental as well as genomic factors is an interesting field that should be exploited in future studies.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in cancer development, especially gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Genetic variations in miRNA pathway genes, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), may influence GI cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression implicated in cancer initiation.
- Dysregulation of miRNAs is frequently observed in various cancers, including gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within miRNA pathway genes can potentially alter miRNA biosynthesis and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the association between miRNA pathway gene-SNPs and GI cancer susceptibility.
- To consolidate knowledge on how genetic variations in miRNA biogenesis and regulation influence predisposition to GI cancers.
Main Methods:
- This mini-review synthesizes findings from existing meta-analyses and case-control studies.
- The focus is on SNPs in genes involved in miRNA biosynthesis, including regulators and binding sites.
Main Results:
- Several meta-analyses have investigated the link between miRNA pathway gene-SNPs and GI cancer risk.
- Evidence suggests a potential association between these genetic variations and susceptibility to GI malignancies.
Conclusions:
- MiRNA pathway gene-SNPs represent a significant area of research for understanding GI cancer predisposition.
- Future studies should explore the interplay between these SNPs, environmental factors, and other genomic elements to elucidate complex cancer development mechanisms.
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