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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as A Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
MicroRNAs as important contributors in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer
Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard1, Bashdar Mahmud Hussen2, Elham Badrlou1
1Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most fatal and fourth most frequently diagnosed neoplasm in the world. Numerous non-coding RNAs have been shown to contribute in the development of CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are among the mostly assessed non-coding RNAs in CRC. These transcripts influence expression and activity of TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, PI3K/AKT and other CRC-related pathways. In the context of CRC, miRNAs interact with long non-coding RNAs to influence CRC course. Stool and serum levels of miRNAs have been used to distinguish CRC patients from healthy controls, indicating diagnostic roles of these transcripts in CRC. Therapeutic application of miRNAs in CRC has been assessed in animal models, yet has not been verified in clinical settings. In the current review, we have provided a recent update on the role of miRNAs in CRC development as well as diagnostic and prognostic approaches.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in colorectal cancer (CRC) development, influencing key pathways and offering diagnostic potential. Further research is needed to explore their therapeutic applications in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally.
- Non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), play significant roles in CRC pathogenesis.
- miRNAs are implicated in regulating critical signaling pathways like TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT in CRC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review on the involvement of miRNAs in colorectal cancer.
- To summarize the diagnostic and prognostic applications of miRNAs in CRC.
- To highlight the potential therapeutic roles of miRNAs in CRC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on recent advancements in miRNA research related to CRC.
- Analysis of studies investigating miRNA expression in biological samples (stool, serum) for CRC detection.
- Examination of preclinical and clinical studies on miRNA-based therapeutics for CRC.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are key regulators of CRC development and progression, interacting with other non-coding RNAs.
- Circulating miRNAs in stool and serum show promise as diagnostic biomarkers for distinguishing CRC patients from healthy individuals.
- While therapeutic strategies using miRNAs have shown potential in animal models, clinical validation is still pending.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are integral to the molecular landscape of colorectal cancer, influencing its development and progression.
- miRNAs hold significant potential as non-invasive biomarkers for CRC diagnosis and prognosis.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to translate the therapeutic promise of miRNAs into effective treatments for colorectal cancer.
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