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Updated: Sep 19, 2025

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
08:12

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Published on: March 14, 2019

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The multifaceted role of microRNAs in colorectal cancer: pathogenesis and therapeutic implications

Federica Longo1, Giuseppe Gattuso1, Graziana Spoto1

  • 1Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, I-95123, Italy.

Non-Coding RNA Research
|June 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and chemoresistance. This review clarifies their complex roles, identifying key miRNAs for potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in CRC.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression; their dysregulation is implicated in diseases, including cancer.
  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) involves genetic and epigenetic changes, with miRNAs playing a significant pathogenetic role.
  • Current understanding of specific miRNA functions in CRC tumorigenesis, progression, and chemoresistance lacks consensus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of miRNAs in colorectal cancer.
  • To examine miRNA involvement in major oncogenic pathways relevant to CRC.
  • To identify key miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies on miRNAs in colorectal cancer.
  • Analysis of miRNA involvement in CRC pathogenetic mechanisms.
  • Evaluation of current evidence for miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics in CRC.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs are key players in CRC initiation, progression, and chemoresistance.
  • Specific miRNAs are frequently dysregulated in CRC, impacting oncogenic pathways.
  • Significant potential exists for miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CRC.

Conclusions:

  • A deeper understanding of miRNA functions is essential for advancing CRC management.
  • Clarifying miRNA roles can lead to improved CRC monitoring and novel therapeutic strategies.
  • miRNA-guided approaches offer promise for future colorectal cancer treatment and prevention.
Keywords:
BiomarkerColorectal cancerDrug resistanceEpigeneticsTherapeutic targetmicroRNA

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