Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 08, 2024 5 months, 3 days, 22 hours, 5 minutes ago
Cancer News: Discovering the Connection Between miRNA and Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern worldwide, and scientists are constantly looking for new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent this disease. A recent study by researchers from the from the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry at Pomeranian Medical University in Poland sheds light on the crucial role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the progression of colorectal cancer. This
Cancer News report delves into the findings and implications of this research.
The Role of miRNA in Colorectal Cancer
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What are miRNAs?
MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, are small RNA molecules, about 22 nucleotides long, that do not encode proteins but play a significant role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Essentially, miRNAs can turn genes on or off, influencing various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and differentiation.
How miRNAs are Made
The formation of miRNAs is a complex process that starts in the nucleus and ends in the cytoplasm of the cell. miRNAs are encoded by genes located in various regions of the genome. These genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase into primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs), which are then processed by a complex known as the microprocessor. This complex includes the ribonuclease Drosha and the RNA-binding protein DGCR8. The pri-miRNAs are then cleaved into precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) and transported to the cytoplasm by exportin-5. In the cytoplasm, the enzyme Dicer further processes these pre-miRNAs into mature miRNA duplexes. One strand of this duplex becomes the functional miRNA, while the other is typically degraded.
miRNAs in Cancer
miRNAs have been found to play critical roles in cancer development and progression. They can act as either oncogenes (promoting cancer) or tumor suppressors (inhibiting cancer). In colorectal cancer, specific miRNAs have been identified as key players. For example, miRNA-21 is often overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells and is associated with tumor growth and poor prognosis. Conversely, miRNA-145 acts as a tumor suppressor and is often downregulated in CRC.
The Study's Key Findings
The Polish study provides a comprehensive overview of miRNAs involved in colorectal cancer. Here are some of the key findings:
-miRNA Dysregulation: Dysregulation of miRNAs is closely linked to the initiation, progression, and metastasis of colorectal cancer. Changes in miRNA expression can lead to the activation of oncogenes or the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes.
-Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers: Certain miRNAs can serve as biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of colorectal cancer. For example, increased levels of miRNA-21 and decreased levels of miRNA-145 can indicate the presence and progression of the disease.
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t;strong>-Therapeutic Targets: miRNAs represent potential therapeutic targets. Strategies that involve restoring the expression of tumor-suppressing miRNAs or inhibiting oncogenic miRNAs could be effective in treating colorectal cancer.
miRNA Regulation Mechanisms
miRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and either degrading them or inhibiting their translation. This process requires a sequence within the miRNA known as the "seed region" to perfectly match the target mRNA. Disruptions in this process can lead to abnormal gene expression, contributing to cancer.
Epigenetic Interactions
The study also highlights the epigenetic interactions between DNA methylation and miRNA expression in tumors. DNA methylation is a process that can silence gene expression and is often altered in cancer cells. miRNAs can influence this process by targeting enzymes involved in DNA methylation.
Potential Therapeutic Strategies
The research suggests two main therapeutic strategies involving miRNAs:
-Inhibition of Oncogenic miRNAs: Using molecules that mimic miRNAs or that bind to and inhibit specific miRNAs, researchers aim to prevent oncogenic miRNAs from promoting cancer.
-Restoration of Tumor Suppressor miRNAs: Introducing synthetic miRNAs that function as tumor suppressors into cancer cells can inhibit tumor growth and induce apoptosis.
Clinical Implications
The findings of this study have significant clinical implications. By identifying miRNAs that are dysregulated in colorectal cancer, new diagnostic tools and treatments can be developed. For instance, monitoring the levels of specific miRNAs in blood samples could provide a non-invasive method for early detection of colorectal cancer. Additionally, miRNA-based therapies could complement existing treatments, offering new hope for patients resistant to traditional therapies.
Conclusion
The role of miRNAs in colorectal cancer is complex but crucial. Understanding how these small RNA molecules influence cancer development and progression opens up new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. The study by Dr Monika Rac from the Pomeranian Medical University-Poland provides valuable insights that could lead to more effective strategies in the fight against colorectal cancer.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Diagnostics.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/14/13/1450
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