MicroRNAs in colorectal cancer: small molecules with big functions.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-2015

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most lethal malignancy, with pathogenesis intricately dependent upon microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are short, non-protein coding RNAs, targeting the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of certain mRNAs. They usually serve as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, and participate in tumor phenotype maintenance. Therefore, miRNAs consequently regulate CRC carcinogenesis and other biological functions, including apoptosis, development, angiogenesis, migration, and proliferation. Due to its differential expression and distinct stability, miRNAs are regarded as molecular biomarkers (for diagnosis/prognosis) and therapeutic targets for CRC. Recently, a remarkable number of miRNAs have been discovered with implications via incompletely understood mechanisms in CRC. As further study of relevant miRNAs continues, it is hopeful that novel miRNA-based therapeutic strategies may be available for CRC patients in the future.

Volume

360

Issue

2

First Page

89

Last Page

105

ISSN

1872-7980

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

25524553

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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