INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF MICRORNAS IN CANCER PROGRESSION

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that function as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and have been increasingly implicated in the onset and progression of cancer. Their ability to act as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors enables them to influence diverse cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and therapy resistance.In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of miRNA biogenesis, dysregulation mechanisms, and their functional roles in critical oncogenic pathways. Particular focus was given to how miRNAs modulate cell cycle checkpoints, apoptosis signaling cascades, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various tumor types. Empirical data were organized into a series of tables and complex visualizations to highlight expression patterns, target interactions, and therapeutic implications.The results demonstrate that specific miRNAs such as miR-21 and miR-155 are consistently overexpressed across multiple cancers and are associated with increased cell survival, metastasis, and drug resistance. Conversely, tumor-suppressive miRNAs like miR-34a and miR-143 are frequently downregulated, leading to impaired cell cycle control and apoptotic dysfunction. Expression profiling also revealed substantial interpatient variability, supporting the need for personalized miRNA-based diagnostics.This investigation confirms the potential of miRNAs as both non-invasive biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention. Despite challenges in delivery and specificity, emerging strategies such as miRNA mimics and inhibitors show significant promise in preclinical models. Overall, our findings reinforce the central role of miRNAs in cancer biology and advocate for their integration into next-generation precision oncology approaches.