The Journal of pathology
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Mature microRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded RNA molecules of 20-23 nucleotide (nt) length that control gene expression in many cellular processes. These molecules typically reduce the stability of mRNAs, including those of genes that mediate processes in tumorigenesis, such as inflammation, cell cycle regulation, stress response, differentiation, apoptosis and invasion. miRNA targeting is mostly achieved through specific base-pairing interactions between the 5' end ('seed' region) of the miRNA and sites within coding and untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs; target sites in the 3' UTR lead to more effective mRNA destabilization. ⋯ To provide a critical overview of miRNA dysregulation in cancer, we first discuss the methods currently available for studying the role of miRNAs in cancer and then review miRNA genomic organization, biogenesis and mechanism of target recognition, examining how these processes are altered in tumorigenesis. Given the critical role miRNAs play in tumorigenesis processes and their disease-specific expression, they hold potential as therapeutic targets and novel biomarkers.
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Germline and somatic alterations in DNA mediate the genesis and progression of human cancers. Not only do these events represent the molecular underpinnings of disease but many are of immense clinical importance as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. In fact, rapidly evolving sequencing technologies have empowered enormous growth in the breadth and depth of cancer genome characterization. Whether these will impact routine clinical practice and the treatment of disease is no longer debatable, but how precisely this will happen is a source of ongoing speculation and development.