Thesis Abstract

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression, playing critical roles in various cellular processes, including cancer development and progression. This thesis investigates the role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, with a focus on understanding their impact on cancer biology. The study aims to elucidate the specific miRNAs involved in cancer pathogenesis and their mechanisms of action in modulating gene expression. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, discussing the background of the study, stating the problem statement, objectives of the study, limitations, scope, significance, and defining key terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review on miRNAs, cancer biology, and gene expression regulation, highlighting relevant studies, findings, and gaps in current knowledge. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, detailing the experimental approach, sample collection, miRNA profiling techniques, data analysis methods, and statistical tools used in the study. The chapter also describes the cell culture models employed to investigate miRNA-mediated gene expression in cancer cells. Chapter Four presents the findings of the study, including the identification of key miRNAs involved in cancer progression, their target genes, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying their effects on gene expression. The chapter discusses the functional implications of miRNA dysregulation in cancer cells and their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing their significance in the context of cancer biology, and proposing future research directions in the field of miRNA-mediated gene expression regulation in cancer cells. The study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and identifies potential strategies for targeted cancer therapies based on miRNA modulation. Keywords MicroRNAs, gene expression, cancer cells, regulatory mechanisms, cancer biology, therapeutic targets, molecular mechanisms.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigating the role of microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells" aims to explore the intricate mechanisms by which microRNAs influence gene expression in cancer cells. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation. In cancer, dysregulation of microRNAs has been implicated in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. By investigating the specific microRNAs involved and their target genes, this study seeks to elucidate how these molecular players contribute to the development and progression of cancer. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to provide a solid foundation of existing knowledge on microRNAs, gene expression regulation, and cancer biology. This review will cover key studies that have identified specific microRNAs associated with different types of cancer and their functional roles in modulating gene expression patterns. By synthesizing this information, the study aims to identify gaps in the current understanding and propose novel research directions. The methodology section will detail the experimental approaches and techniques employed in the investigation. This will include sample collection, cell culture experiments, RNA extraction, microRNA profiling, gene expression analysis, and bioinformatics tools for target prediction. By meticulously outlining the research methodology, the study aims to ensure rigor and reproducibility in the experimental procedures. The findings section will present the results of the study, highlighting the specific microRNAs found to be dysregulated in cancer cells and their downstream target genes. Through in vitro experiments and computational analyses, the study aims to provide insights into the regulatory networks controlled by these microRNAs and their impact on cancer cell behavior. The discussion will interpret the results in the context of existing literature, emphasizing the significance of the findings and their implications for cancer research and therapy. In conclusion, this research project seeks to advance our understanding of the role of microRNAs in cancer by investigating their regulatory effects on gene expression. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions, the study aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on microRNAs and their impact on cancer biology, paving the way for future studies aimed at harnessing the potential of these small RNAs in precision medicine approaches for cancer patients.