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Updated: Oct 10, 2025

An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
MiRNAs - targets in cancer therapy
Anna Alwani1, Monika Baj-Krzyworzeka2
1Zakład Immunologii Klinicznej, Katedra Immunologii Klinicznej i Transplantologii, Collegium Medicum, Uniwersytet Jagielloński, 30-663 Kraków. aniaalwani1@gmail.com.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded molecules of RNA (21-23 nucleotides) which regulate the expression of different genes on a posttranscriptional level through binding to mRNA. miRNA regulate a number of biological processes such as: proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, migration, apoptosis or oncogenesis. Many studies have proved involvement of miRNA in cancer progression from its initial stage to metastasis. Wide range of genes regulated by miRNA in the course of the cancer disease allowed to distinguish two classes of miRNA: suppressors and oncomirs. Monitoring the changes in expression profile of chosen miRNA could help in early identification of cancer cells and serve as a prediction factor of the disease or treatment. Defining target genes of deregulated miRNA in cancer cells and developing methods of their selective silencing is a promising therapeutic strategy. This paper presents selected studies focused on the use of miRNA as a diagnostic marker and a potential target of modern cancer therapies.
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