Full Description
miRNAs are a class of endogenous, small non-protein coding RNA molecules (‾ 22 nucleotides) which are novel post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Since we have hundreds of miRNAs, the major challenge is now to understand their specific biological function. In fact the experimental evidence suggests that signaling pathways could be ideal candidates for miRNA-mediated regulation. Several studies suggest that miRNAs affect the responsiveness of cells to signaling molecules such as WNT, Notch, TGF-β and EGFR. Altered expression of particular miRNAs has been implicated in the onset and development of cancer and could be used as potential biomarkers for the disease.
Recently, many studies have found miRNAs have crucial regulatory roles in Cancer stem cells (CSCs) a kind of tumor initiating cells (TICs) and dormancy. Findings also suggest that DNA methylation may be important in regulating the expression of many miRNAs in several cancer initiating cells. Several miRNAs are known to either upregulated or downregulated in CSCs when compared to non-cancerous cells from the same tissues. CSCs are a small subpopulation of cells identified in a variety of tumors and involve in self-renewal, differentiation, chemoresistance and tumorigenesis. The volume will give a comprehensive account of important advancements in the area of miRNAs and cancer.
Contents
Preface.- miRNA biogenesis and function.- miRNAs in cancer progression.- MicroRNA, DNA repair and cancer.- Role of microRNAs in stem cells regulation and tumorigenesis in Drosophila.- MicroRNAs in stem cells and cancer stem cells.- MicroRNAs in epithelial mesenchymal transition and breast cancer progression.- MicroRNAs in the development and progression of breast cancer.- The role of microRNAs in hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia development.- MiRNA and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.- The role of miRNAs in the development of normal pancreas and pancreatic cancer, and their roles in tumor progression.- Epigenetic regulation of microRNA genes in colorectal cancer.- MicroRNAs in the development and progression of kidney cancer.- MicroRNAs in the development and progression of skin cancer.- MicroRNAs in the Development and Progression of Prostate Cancer.- MicroRNAs in development and progression of ovarian cancer.- MicroRNA and Cancer Drug Resistance.- Microvesicular Transfer of microRNA in Tumor Microenvironment.- MicroRNA cancer therapeutics and the challenge of drug delivery.- MicroRNA and Drug Delivery.- Index.
