[Recent progress on miRNAs in the pathogenesis of colon cancer].
microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small noncoding RNA molecules discovered in animals, plants and viruses. They play a critical role in developmental and physiological processes and are implicated in the pathogenesis of many human cancers. Presently, human cancer, including colorectal cancer, is recognized as both a genetic and epigenetic disease. Changes induced by miRNAs are considered as epigenetic changes. Experiments were largely performed to analyze the colorectal microRNAome and bio-networking involving miRNAs. This review focuses on recent advances in colorectal miRNA expression profiles. Further, we discuss the regulatory network of miRNAs in the initiation and carcinogenesis of colon cancer in order to open up an avenue of anticancer therapy based on the epigenetic regulation by miRNAs.
Tang
Jie-ting
JT
Shanghai Institution of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200001 People's Republic of China.
Fang
Jing-yuan
JY
D000818:Animals; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*
D035683:MicroRNAs