Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:45
An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
MIR133A in Cancer Biology: Target Genes, Biological Effects, and Biomarker Potential
Grinsun Sharma1, Santosh Lamichhane2, Soo-Cheon Chae3
1School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240, USA.
Genes
|July 28, 2026
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), specifically MIR133A, are crucial in cancer development. Reduced MIR133A levels are linked to tumor progression, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer is a major global health concern.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play significant roles in cancer initiation and progression.
- MIR133A is frequently downregulated in tumors and acts as a tumor suppressor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interactions between MIR133A and its target genes in common cancers.
- To evaluate MIR133A as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction.
- To provide insights into clinical management strategies for malignant tumors.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on MIR133A in cancer.
- Analysis of MIR133A interactions with target genes in breast, lung, colorectal, gastric, and prostate cancers.
- Synthesis of findings regarding MIR133A's role in tumor biology and clinical applications.
Main Results:
- MIR133A expression is reduced in various tumor tissues, correlating with tumor progression.
- MIR133A targets specific genes involved in cancer pathways.
- Evidence supports MIR133A's efficacy as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- MIR133A is a critical regulator of tumor progression across multiple cancer types.
- MIR133A serves as a promising biomarker for improving cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment prediction.
- Understanding MIR133A's role offers valuable insights for clinical practice in oncology.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)...
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...