miRNAs as cornerstones in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and resistance to therapy: A spotlight on signaling pathways interplay - A review

Int J Biol Macromol. 2022 Aug 1:214:583-600. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.06.134. Epub 2022 Jun 26.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world's third most prevalent cancer and the main cause of cancer-related mortality. A lot of work has been put into improving CRC patients' clinical care, including the development of more effective methods and wide biomarkers variety for prognostic, and diagnostic purposes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate a variety of cellular processes and play a significant role in the CRC progression and spread via controlling their target gene expression by translation inhibition or mRNA degradation. Consequently, dysregulation and disruption in their function, miRNAs are linked to CRC malignant pathogenesis by controlling several cellular processes involved in the CRC. These cellular processes include increased proliferative and invasive capacity, cell cycle aberration, evasion of apoptosis, enhanced EMT, promotion of angiogenesis and metastasis, and decreased sensitivity to major treatments. The miRNAs control cellular processes in CRC via regulation of pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis, KRAS, TGFb signaling, VEGFR, EGFR, and P53. Hence, the goal of this review was to review miRNA biogenesis and present an updated summary of oncogenic and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs and their potential implication in CRC pathogenesis and responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We also summarise the biological importance and clinical applications of miRNAs in the CRC.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer (CRC); Oncogenic miRNAs; Tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway

Substances

  • MicroRNAs