title: Manipulating miRNA Expression: A Novel Approach for Colon Cancer Prevention and Chemotherapy.
abstract: Small non-coding RNA has been implicated in the control of various cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. About 50% of the miRNA genes are positioned in cancer-associated genomic regions. Several studies have shown that miRNA expression is deregulated in cancer and modulating their expression has reversed the cancer phenotype. Therefore, mechanisms to modulate microRNA (miRNA) activity have provided a novel opportunity for cancer prevention and therapy. In addition, a common cause for development of colorectal cancers is environmental and lifestyle factors. One such factor, diet has been shown to modulate miRNA expression in colorectal cancer patients. In this chapter, we will summarize the work demonstrating that miRNAs are novel promising drug targets for cancer chemoprevention and therapy. Improved delivery, increased stability and enhanced regulation of off-target effects will overcome the current challenges of this exciting approach in the field of cancer prevention and therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, and University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
authors.forename: Satish
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramalingam
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, and University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
authors.forename: Dharmalingam
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Subramaniam
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, and University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
authors.forename: Shrikant
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anant
keywords: MiRNAs; drug delivery; nanoparticles; oncomiRs; phytochemicals; vitamins