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Clinicopathological Analysis of miRNA Expression in Breast Cancer Tissues by Using miRNA In Situ Hybridization
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miRNAs in Cancer (Review of Literature)

Beata Smolarz1, Adam Durczyński2, Hanna Romanowicz1

  • 1Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Department of Pathology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 10, 2022
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are crucial for cell functions. Aberrant miRNA levels in cancer suggest their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in oncology.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNA molecules regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • They play vital roles in fundamental biological processes like cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis.
  • Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in various cancers, indicating their oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of microRNAs in cancer.
  • To explore the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for cancer.
  • To discuss miRNAs as therapeutic targets in anticancer strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications on microRNAs and cancer.
  • Analysis of studies investigating miRNA expression patterns in cancerous tissues.
  • Synthesis of research on miRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Altered expression of specific miRNAs is a hallmark of many cancers.
  • Certain miRNAs show potential as sensitive and specific diagnostic markers.
  • miRNAs can be targeted for novel anticancer therapies, either by inhibition or replacement.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are significant regulators of cellular processes relevant to cancer development.
  • miRNAs hold promise as valuable biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Targeting miRNAs represents a promising avenue for innovative cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
cancerdiagnosismiRNA

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