Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length, found in plants, animals, and viruses with DNA genomes. These miRNAs are derived from RNA transcripts organized in a hairpin structure and play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant burden on global health in terms of both illness and death, demanding better approaches for prevention and treatment. Dysregulation of miRNA expression has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of CRC, with certain miRNAs acting as oncogenes and others functioning as tumor suppressors. This review examines the dual role of miRNAs in CRC, whereby they function both as destructive agents and as potential therapeutic interventions.
Methods: Several studies have highlighted specific miRNAs, showcasing their roles in inhibiting CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through distinct mechanisms. For instance, miR-18a, miR-155, and miR-205-5p inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells, while miR-494, miR-598, and miR-17-3p enhance these abilities. Furthermore, miR-106a and miR-7 are associated with the apoptosis of CRC cells or their resistance to apoptosis. miR-221 and miR-214 have been shown to decrease the levels of autophagy in CRC cells.
Results: Numerous miRNAs have been associated with CRC, exhibiting either pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic functions. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of miRNAs in colon cancer not only sheds light on the pathogenesis of the disease but also offers avenues for novel therapeutic interventions. As a result, miRNAs have become valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and potential therapeutic targeting in CRC.
Conclusion: Elucidating the complex miRNA regulatory networks in CRC holds promise for personalized therapies and advancing our understanding of the disease. Ongoing research efforts in this field continue to unveil the therapeutic potential of miRNAs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, offering new avenues for combating CRC and other malignancies. For further studies, elucidating the context-dependent regulation of microRNAs, such as how specific cellular or environmental factors can shift their roles from oncogenic to tumor-suppressive or vice versa, developing computational and experimental models to predict, validating the complex network of interactions between these dual-acting microRNAs and their target genes in CRC could be helpful.