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Updated: Jan 30, 2026
10:33
Molecular Profiling of the Invasive Tumor Microenvironment in a 3-Dimensional Model of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Ex vivo Fibroblasts
Published on: April 29, 2014
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Tumor microenvironment-driven microRNA dysregulation: Key interactions in colorectal cancer progression.
Adriana G Quiroz-Reyes1, Paulina Delgado-Gonzalez1, Jose Francisco Islas1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
|January 29, 2026
Summary
Colorectal cancer progression is influenced by microRNAs (miRNAs) regulated by the tumor microenvironment. Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms offers new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern.
- Molecular mechanisms of CRC survival, drug resistance, and metastasis require further elucidation.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the tumor microenvironment in regulating miRNA expression in CRC.
- To explore how miRNA dysregulation contributes to CRC tumorigenesis.
- To identify potential novel therapeutic strategies based on miRNA regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms controlling miRNA expression in CRC.
- Analysis of studies investigating the interplay between the CRC microenvironment and miRNA profiles.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on miRNA-mediated gene regulation in CRC.
Main Results:
- The colorectal cancer microenvironment significantly influences miRNA expression patterns.
- Epigenetic modifications are critical in controlling miRNA expression and function in CRC.
- Altered miRNA expression contributes to key aspects of tumorigenesis, including survival and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in CRC pathogenesis through miRNA modulation.
- Targeting epigenetic mechanisms controlling miRNAs presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into these pathways may yield novel strategies for CRC treatment and recurrence prevention.
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