Investigating the role of microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells.

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. In cancer cells, aberrant expression of miRNAs can lead to the dysregulation of key genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Understanding the role of miRNAs in cancer can provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and potentially lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This thesis aims to investigate the role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, with a focus on their impact on cancer progression and metastasis. The study will involve the analysis of miRNA expression profiles in different types of cancer cells and the identification of target genes regulated by specific miRNAs. Functional studies will be conducted to elucidate the biological effects of dysregulated miRNAs on cancer cell behavior, including proliferation, migration, and invasion. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the study, outlining the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review on the current understanding of miRNA dysregulation in cancer and its implications for tumorigenesis. Chapter 3 details the research methodology, including experimental approaches, cell culture techniques, miRNA profiling, target gene prediction, and functional assays. In Chapter 4, the findings of the study are discussed in detail, highlighting the dysregulated miRNAs identified, their target genes, and the functional consequences of altered miRNA expression on cancer cell behavior. The results will be interpreted in the context of existing literature, providing insights into the potential mechanisms underlying miRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression in cancer cells. Finally, Chapter 5 presents the conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications for cancer research, and suggesting directions for future studies. Overall, this thesis aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the role of miRNAs in cancer and their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.