Thesis Abstract

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression in various biological processes, including cancer development and progression. In this study, we investigated the role of specific miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, with a focus on understanding their potential implications for cancer therapy. Through a comprehensive literature review, we identified a panel of miRNAs that have been implicated in cancer pathogenesis and progression. Our study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these miRNAs modulate gene expression and contribute to cancer development. The research methodology employed in this study involved in vitro experiments using cancer cell lines to investigate the functional effects of specific miRNAs on gene expression. We utilized molecular biology techniques such as qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis to assess changes in gene expression levels in response to miRNA modulation. Additionally, bioinformatics tools were employed to predict potential target genes of the selected miRNAs and to analyze their biological functions and signaling pathways. The results of our study revealed that specific miRNAs indeed play critical roles in regulating gene expression in cancer cells. We identified several target genes that were significantly modulated by the selected miRNAs, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in cancer. Furthermore, functional assays demonstrated the impact of miRNA dysregulation on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, highlighting the oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles of these miRNAs in cancer progression. The discussion of our findings underscored the complex interplay between miRNAs and their target genes in cancer pathogenesis. We delineated the signaling pathways and biological processes that are modulated by specific miRNAs, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Moreover, we discussed the clinical relevance of miRNA-based biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, emphasizing the importance of personalized medicine approaches in oncology. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into the regulatory role of specific miRNAs in gene expression in cancer cells. The findings presented herein contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression. Future research directions may focus on validating the clinical utility of miRNA biomarkers and exploring novel therapeutic strategies targeting miRNA dysregulation in cancer.

Thesis Overview

The project "Investigating the role of specific microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells" aims to shed light on the intricate mechanisms by which microRNAs influence gene expression in the context of cancer. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation by binding to specific messenger RNA (mRNA) targets, thereby affecting their stability and translation. In cancer cells, dysregulation of microRNAs has been implicated in various aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. This research will focus on identifying specific microRNAs that are differentially expressed in cancer cells compared to normal cells, with a particular emphasis on their functional roles in regulating gene expression. By elucidating the interactions between dysregulated microRNAs and their target mRNAs, this study aims to uncover key molecular pathways that are perturbed in cancer and may serve as potential therapeutic targets. The research methodology will involve a combination of bioinformatics analysis, cell culture experiments, and molecular biology techniques to characterize the expression profiles of microRNAs in cancer cells, validate their target genes, and investigate the functional consequences of their dysregulation. Through a systematic and comprehensive approach, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression and identify novel biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Overall, this project represents a significant contribution to the field of cancer biology by deepening our understanding of how specific microRNAs contribute to the aberrant gene expression patterns observed in cancer cells. The findings from this research have the potential to inform the development of targeted therapies that aim to restore the normal gene regulatory networks disrupted in cancer, ultimately leading to improved treatment strategies and patient outcomes.