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Using Human Differentially Expressed Gene Lists to Perform Downstream Pathway Enrichment Analysis and Target Prioritization
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Recent developments in targeting genes and pathways by RNAi-based approaches in colorectal cancer

Asiyeh Jebelli1, Behzad Baradaran2, Jafar Mosafer3

  • 1Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Basic Science, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran.

Medicinal Research Reviews
|September 29, 2020
PubMed

Insights

RNA interference (RNAi) offers a promising therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) by targeting key genes. This approach enhances conventional treatments and explores novel delivery systems for improved efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.
  • Conventional therapies for CRC often face limitations, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
  • RNA interference (RNAi) presents a potential therapeutic avenue for CRC by targeting cancer-related genes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the therapeutic potential of RNA interference (RNAi) in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To highlight the benefits of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) in targeting CRC tumorigenesis.
  • To explore synergistic effects of RNAi with conventional therapies and advancements in delivery systems.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on RNA interference in colorectal cancer.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on siRNA and shRNA efficacy against CRC-specific genes and pathways.
  • Examination of research on combination therapies and novel delivery systems for RNAi.

Main Results:

  • RNAi effectively targets genes crucial for CRC cell viability, proliferation, and metastasis.
  • Synergistic effects observed when combining RNAi with chemotherapy or targeted therapy agents.
  • Advancements in delivery systems show promise for enhanced cellular uptake and reduced off-target effects.

Conclusions:

  • RNA interference is a potent strategy for developing novel colorectal cancer therapies.
  • Combining RNAi with existing treatments can overcome therapeutic resistance.
  • Improved delivery systems are essential for realizing the full clinical potential of RNAi in CRC.
Keywords:
colorectal cancermolecular targetshRNAsiRNAsignaling pathway

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