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MicroRNAs regulating Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal cancer: biological implications and clinical potentials

Faeze Ahmadi Beni1, Mohammad Kazemi2,3, Hassan Dianat-Moghadam1

  • 1Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Functional & Integrative Genomics
|October 20, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is influenced by microRNAs (miRNAs) regulating the Wnt pathway. Understanding these interactions aids in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CRC management.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death globally.
  • The Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in CRC development.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression implicated in various cancers, including CRC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of microRNAs in regulating the Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal cancer.
  • To explore the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in CRC.
  • To discuss the implications of miRNA in liquid biopsy for CRC patient management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on studies investigating miRNA-Wnt pathway interactions in CRC.
  • Analysis of research on miRNA dysregulation in CRC pathogenesis.
  • Examination of current and emerging applications of miRNAs in CRC diagnostics and therapeutics, including liquid biopsy.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, significantly impacting CRC progression by modulating Wnt pathway activity.
  • Dysregulation of specific miRNAs contributes to aberrant Wnt signaling, promoting CRC development and progression.
  • Identifying miRNA-mRNA interactions provides insights into CRC mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are crucial regulators of the Wnt pathway in colorectal cancer.
  • Targeting miRNA-Wnt pathway interactions offers promising avenues for novel CRC therapies.
  • miRNA-based liquid biopsy holds potential for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of CRC patients.
Keywords:
Cancer stem cellColorectal cancerDrug resistance, BiomarkeroncomiR

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