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The function of novel small non-coding RNAs (piRNAs, tRFs) and PIWI protein in colorectal cancer

Mandana AmeliMojarad1, Melika AmeliMojarad1, Jian Wang2

  • 1Department Genetic, Medical University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Cancer Treatment and Research Communications
|March 6, 2022
PubMed

Insights

This review explores PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tRFs) in colorectal cancer (CRC). These small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and PIWI proteins are key to CRC

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading global cancer despite extensive research.
  • CRC pathogenesis involves genetic mutations and epigenetic changes, affecting tumor suppressors and oncogenes.
  • Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) regulate gene and protein expression and are implicated in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role and biogenesis of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tRFs) in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of piRNAs, tRFs, and PIWI proteins in CRC initiation, progression, and metastasis.
  • To inform the development of improved therapeutic strategies for CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs).
  • Literature review focusing on tRNA-derived small RNAs (tRFs).
  • Literature review focusing on PIWI proteins in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Main Results:

  • PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tRFs) play significant roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) development.
  • PIWI proteins are involved in the regulation of gene expression relevant to CRC.
  • These small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) influence CRC initiation, progression, and metastasis through specific molecular pathways.

Conclusions:

  • PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), tRNA-derived small RNAs (tRFs), and PIWI proteins are critical regulators in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • Understanding their biogenesis and molecular functions is essential for advancing CRC diagnostics and therapeutics.
  • Targeting these small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) offers potential for novel CRC treatment strategies.
Keywords:
Colorectal cancerPIWIpiRNAtRFs

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