Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, posing a significant health challenge worldwide. Recent advancements in bioinformatics have enabled researchers to delve deeper into the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression, with a particular focus on microRNAs (miRNAs). MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in regulating gene expression by targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for degradation or translational repression. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been implicated in various cancers, including their involvement in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. This thesis aims to investigate the role of microRNAs in cancer progression using a bioinformatics approach. The study will leverage computational tools and databases to analyze miRNA expression profiles and their target genes in different cancer types. Through the integration of bioinformatics techniques, the research will identify key miRNAs associated with cancer progression and elucidate their potential mechanisms of action. The introductory chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the research background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review chapter presents a thorough analysis of existing studies on microRNAs and cancer progression, highlighting key findings and gaps in knowledge. The research methodology chapter outlines the experimental design, data collection methods, bioinformatics tools utilized, and statistical analyses performed. By employing a systematic approach, the study aims to generate robust and reliable results that contribute to the understanding of miRNA-mediated cancer progression. The discussion of findings chapter presents a detailed interpretation of the results obtained from the bioinformatics analyses. The identification of dysregulated miRNAs and their target genes in cancer samples provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, the discussion explores potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In conclusion, this thesis sheds light on the intricate interplay between microRNAs and cancer progression, highlighting the potential of bioinformatics in unraveling the complexities of oncogenesis. By elucidating the regulatory roles of miRNAs in cancer biology, this research contributes to the development of novel therapeutic strategies and precision medicine approaches for combating cancer.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression: A bioinformatics approach" aims to explore the intricate involvement of microRNAs in the development and progression of cancer. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that play crucial roles in gene regulation, and their dysregulation has been linked to various diseases, including cancer. This research project focuses on leveraging bioinformatics tools and techniques to analyze the expression patterns and functional implications of microRNAs in cancer progression. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current understanding of the roles of microRNAs in cancer. This review will highlight key findings from previous studies and identify gaps in knowledge that the current research aims to address. By synthesizing existing research, the project will build a solid foundation for the investigation into the specific roles of microRNAs in cancer progression. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken to analyze microRNA expression profiles in cancer samples. This involves the collection of relevant data sets from public repositories, processing and normalization of the data, and the application of bioinformatics tools for data analysis. By employing advanced computational techniques, the project aims to identify dysregulated microRNAs associated with cancer progression and elucidate their putative biological functions. The findings of the study will be presented and discussed in detail in the subsequent chapter. This section will highlight the specific microRNAs that are differentially expressed in cancer samples compared to normal tissues, as well as their potential targets and pathways involved in cancer progression. The discussion will provide insights into the mechanisms through which microRNAs contribute to tumorigenesis and metastasis, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In conclusion, the project will summarize the key findings and implications of the research, emphasizing the significance of understanding the role of microRNAs in cancer progression. By employing a bioinformatics approach, this study aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and provide valuable insights for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Overall, the project "Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression: A bioinformatics approach" represents a novel and interdisciplinary approach to studying cancer biology, integrating bioinformatics tools and techniques to unravel the complex interplay between microRNAs and cancer pathogenesis.