Work

The Role of MicroRNAs in Colorectal Cancer

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: During the last decade, it has become clear that aberrant microRNA expression has a functional role in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Specific microRNAs can act as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes depending on the cellular environment in which they are expressed. The expression of microRNAs is reproducibly altered in CRC, and their expression patterns are associated with diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic outcome in CRC. Studies have begun to examine the association of microRNA-related polymorphisms and their association with CRC incidence and prognosis as well as the possibility of using circulating microRNAs or fecal microRNA expression as noninvasive early detection biomarkers. These data suggest that microRNAs may be potential molecular classifiers, early detection biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for CRC. Here, we will review the evidence demonstrating a role of microRNAs in CRC.

Source: The Cancer Journal

DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0b013e318258b78f

Authors: Aaron J. Schetter, Hirokazu Okayama, Curtis C. Harris

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research

Language: English

Topic: MicroRNA in disease regulation

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute