Research advances on microRNAs in colorectal cancer

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous, noncoding small RNAs, 22nt in length. Repressing the translation and inducing the degradation of target miRNAs genes by binding to the 3’-UTR participate in regulating multiple physiological and pathological processes. Many recent research implicates that miRNAs play oncogenic and tumor suppressor role in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer. Thus, miRNAs are suggested as important markers in diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is one of intestinal tumor with high morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the recent research advances on molecular mechanism, diagnosis, treatment and drug resistance of miRNAs in colorectal cancer. Key words: MicroRNAs; Colorectal neoplasms; Early diagnosis; Prognosis