New Perspectives in Colorectal Cancers Treatment, the Role of MicroRNAs

Victoria A Belova1, Liudmila V Spirina1,2, Alexandra V Avgustinovich2

  • 1Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation.

Current Drug Targets
|July 25, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This review explores colorectal cancer's molecular pathology and identifies small non-coding RNAs, like microRNAs, as promising therapeutic targets. These targets offer new strategies for treating this complex disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents complex epidemiological and clinical characteristics.
  • Molecular pathology reveals significant mutations driving tumor heterogeneity and progression.
  • Identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on colorectal cancer's molecular pathology.
  • To highlight small non-coding nucleotide sequences as potential therapeutic targets.
  • To discuss challenges and opportunities in developing new CRC treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological, clinical, and molecular data on colorectal cancer.
  • Analysis of research on genetic mutations and epigenetic regulation in oncogenesis.
  • Exploration of RNA interference mechanisms, including microRNAs.

Main Results:

  • Significant mutations drive CRC heterogeneity and disease progression.
  • Small non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, are implicated in oncogenesis.
  • Epigenetic regulation offers avenues for novel therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs represent promising targets for developing differentiated colorectal cancer treatments.
  • Understanding molecular pathology and epigenetic factors is key to advancing CRC therapy.
  • Targeting specific molecular pathways, including those involving microRNAs, can overcome clinical challenges.