Thesis Abstract

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In cancer cells, dysregulation of miRNAs has been implicated in various aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. This research project aims to investigate the specific roles of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, with a focus on understanding their impact on cancer progression. The study will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature on miRNAs and their involvement in cancer biology. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the current knowledge and gaps in the field. The research methodology will involve the collection and analysis of cancer cell samples from different cancer types to identify dysregulated miRNAs. Experimental techniques such as qRT-PCR and bioinformatics analysis will be employed to characterize the expression patterns of miRNAs and their target genes. The findings from this study are expected to provide insights into the specific miRNAs that are dysregulated in different cancer types and their functional roles in regulating gene expression. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA-mediated gene regulation in cancer cells, this research project aims to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Overall, this thesis will shed light on the intricate relationship between miRNAs and gene expression in cancer cells, offering a deeper understanding of the molecular pathways involved in cancer progression. The implications of this research extend beyond basic science, with the potential to inform the development of targeted therapies that exploit the dysregulated miRNA networks in cancer cells.

Thesis Overview

The project "Investigating the role of microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells" aims to delve into the intricate mechanisms by which microRNAs influence gene expression in the context of cancer development and progression. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to their degradation or translational repression. In cancer, dysregulation of microRNAs has been implicated in various processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis, highlighting their significance as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This research endeavor will begin with a comprehensive literature review to elucidate the current understanding of microRNAs and their involvement in cancer biology. By examining existing studies and experimental findings, the review aims to identify key microRNAs implicated in different types of cancer and understand their specific roles in modulating gene expression networks. The subsequent phase of the research will focus on the methodology employed to investigate the regulatory functions of selected microRNAs in cancer cells. Experimental techniques such as cell culture, transfection, RNA extraction, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and bioinformatics analyses will be utilized to study the expression patterns and targets of microRNAs of interest in cancer cell models. Additionally, functional assays may be conducted to assess the impact of manipulating microRNA levels on cellular processes relevant to cancer progression. The findings obtained from these investigations will form the basis of the discussion in the subsequent chapter, where the data will be analyzed and interpreted in the context of existing knowledge. The implications of the results on our understanding of cancer biology and the potential clinical applications of targeting microRNAs will be thoroughly discussed. In conclusion, this research project seeks to enhance our understanding of the regulatory roles of microRNAs in cancer cells and their potential as therapeutic targets. By elucidating the specific mechanisms by which microRNAs modulate gene expression in cancer, this study aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of cancer research and pave the way for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.