Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Montenegro, Cetinjska 2, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Kruševac bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Oct 15;25(20):11060. doi: 10.3390/ijms252011060.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating advancements in early detection and innovative treatment strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs involved in gene regulation, have emerged as crucial players in the pathogenesis of CRC. This review synthesizes the latest findings on miRNA deregulated in precancerous lesions and in CRC. By examining the deregulation patterns of miRNAs across different stages of CRC development, this review highlights their potential as diagnostic tools. We specifically analyse the roles and diagnostic relevance of four miRNAs-miR-15b, miR-21, miR-31, and miR-146a-that consistently exhibit altered expression in CRC. The current knowledge of their role in key oncogenic pathways, drug resistance, and clinical relevance is discussed. Despite challenges posed by the heterogeneity of the research findings on miRNA deregulation and their role in CRC, integrating miRNA diagnostics into current screening methods holds promise for enhancing personalized medicine approaches. This review emphasizes the transformative potential of miRNAs in CRC diagnosis, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and novel therapeutic paradigms.
结直肠癌（CRC）仍然是全球癌症相关死亡率的第二大常见原因，这需要在早期检测和创新治疗策略方面取得进展。微小 RNA（miRNA）是参与基因调控的小非编码 RNA，已成为 CRC 发病机制中的关键因素。本综述综合了 miRNA 在癌前病变和 CRC 中失调的最新发现。通过检查 miRNA 在 CRC 发展的不同阶段的失调模式，本综述强调了它们作为诊断工具的潜力。我们特别分析了四个 miRNA（miR-15b、miR-21、miR-31 和 miR-146a）的作用和诊断相关性，它们在 CRC 中始终表现出异常表达。讨论了它们在关键致癌途径、耐药性和临床相关性中的作用。尽管 miRNA 失调及其在 CRC 中的作用的研究结果存在异质性带来了挑战，但将 miRNA 诊断纳入当前的筛选方法有望增强个性化医疗方法。本综述强调了 miRNA 在 CRC 诊断中的变革潜力，为改善患者预后和新型治疗模式铺平了道路。
