The role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis and therapy of oncological diseases

Introduction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNA molecules that play a central role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. These molecules are involved in key cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and angiogenesis, making them crucial regulators of cellular homeostasis. Depending on the context, miRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, regulating signaling pathways associated with the development and progression of malignancies, including the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.
Aim: to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis and therapy of oncological diseases.
Results. The article explores the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnosis, such as miR-21 in pancreatic cancer and miR-141 in prostate cancer. It also highlights findings from preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the therapeutic potential of miRNAs, including the use of AntagomiR-21 and miR-34a mimics (MRX34). Challenges related to delivery and biosafety are also addressed, with potential solutions proposed through the application of nanotechnology. The molecular mechanisms of their involvement in tumor progression, their diagnostic potential, and therapeutic applications are discussed. Special attention is given to recent advancements, including the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for miRNA profiling and CRISPR/Cas9 for functional analysis.
Conclusions. The findings confirm that miRNAs represent a promising direction in the diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases. Continued research in this field could significantly enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer and lead to the development of personalized therapeutic approaches.

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