Cancer Prognosis and miRNA

The micro ribonucleic acids are commonly referred to as MicroRNAs, miRNAs or μRNA. These micro-nucleic acids are very short and single-stranded RNA molecules composed by 19 to 25 nucleotides. miRNAs play an important regulatory role in the cells of many organisms including humans, animals, and plants. miRNAs were discovered in 1993 and the role and mechanism of action of these molecules is still under investigation. Recently, it has been confirmed that the non-coding miRNAs play an essential role in gene regulation. Considering the role of miRNAs in many biological and pathological reactions and mechanisms, especially cancer, scientific interest in these molecules is increasing as these molecules are believed to hold great promise as a therapeutic approach. The discovery of miRNAs is considered as the beginning of a new age in molecular biology. This article will provide an outlook on miRNAs, the stages of their biogenesis, types of miRNAs and their role in cancer initiation and progression. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify the biological mechanisms by which miRNAs can influence cellular functions that are disrupted in the initiation and progression of cancer. In addition, this research also aims to demonstrate the potential of utilizing miRNAs in the diagnosis and therapy of different types of cancer.