Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
microRNAs: Small molecules with a large impact on colorectal cancer
Sahand Moazzendizaji1, Andrey Sevbitov2, Fatemeh Ezzatifar3,4
1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for one of the main cancer-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. The molecular mechanisms of CRC development have been broadly investigated and, over the last decade, it has become evident that aberrant transcription of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, noncoding RNA molecules, has a significant role in the inception and promotion of CRC. In the involved tissues of CRC, the transcription profile of miRNAs is modulated, and their expression templates are related with prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes. Here, in the current review, we attempted to discuss the latest information regarding the aberrantly expressed miRNAs in CRC and the advantages of utilizing miRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of CRC as well as potential therapeutic application. The effect of miRNAs involved in various signaling pathways, primarily p53, EGFR, Wnt, and TGF-β pathways, was clarified.
Insights
Aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. These small RNA molecules show potential as biomarkers for early CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, causing significant mortality and morbidity.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNA molecules, are increasingly recognized for their role in CRC development.
- Aberrant miRNA transcription is a hallmark of CRC tissues, influencing disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest findings on aberrantly expressed miRNAs in colorectal cancer.
- To explore the utility of miRNAs as biomarkers for CRC early diagnosis and prognosis.
- To discuss the potential therapeutic applications of miRNAs in CRC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on miRNA expression in colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of the role of miRNAs in key signaling pathways implicated in CRC.
- Evaluation of miRNA potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- miRNA expression profiles are significantly altered in CRC tissues.
- Specific miRNAs are associated with CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response.
- miRNAs modulate critical signaling pathways including p53, EGFR, Wnt, and TGF-β.
Conclusions:
- Aberrantly expressed miRNAs are crucial in colorectal cancer initiation and progression.
- miRNAs hold significant promise as biomarkers for early detection and outcome prediction in CRC.
- Targeting miRNAs offers a potential novel therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer.
