Thesis Abstract

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression, playing a pivotal role in various biological processes, including cancer development and progression. In this thesis, we investigate the role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, with a specific focus on understanding their impact on tumorigenesis and potential implications for cancer treatment strategies. Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to the study, outlining the background of miRNA research in cancer, stating the problem statement, objectives of the study, limitations, scope, significance, and defining key terms. The structure of the thesis is also presented to guide the reader through the research findings. Chapter 2 presents a detailed literature review encompassing ten key areas related to miRNAs, cancer biology, gene expression regulation, and the interplay between miRNAs and cancer pathogenesis. This section synthesizes existing knowledge and highlights gaps in current research that the present study aims to address. Chapter 3 delves into the research methodology employed in this investigation. It discusses the experimental design, sample collection methods, miRNA profiling techniques, cell culture protocols, data analysis strategies, and statistical approaches used to draw meaningful conclusions from the study data. The chapter also addresses ethical considerations and potential biases that may have influenced the results. Chapter 4 presents a comprehensive discussion of the findings obtained from the study. The results of miRNA expression profiling in cancer cells are analyzed, and the impact of specific miRNAs on gene expression patterns and cellular pathways relevant to cancer progression is elucidated. The chapter also explores potential therapeutic implications of targeting dysregulated miRNAs in cancer treatment. Finally, Chapter 5 provides a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications for cancer research and therapy, and potential avenues for future investigation. The study underscores the critical role of miRNAs in modulating gene expression in cancer cells and emphasizes the importance of understanding these regulatory mechanisms for developing targeted therapies to combat cancer progression. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on miRNA-mediated gene regulation in cancer and provides valuable insights into the potential applications of miRNA-based therapies in the field of oncology. By elucidating the intricate interactions between miRNAs and gene expression networks in cancer cells, this study opens new avenues for innovative research and therapeutic development in the fight against cancer.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "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 within cancer cells. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In the context of cancer, dysregulation of microRNAs has been implicated in various aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and drug resistance. The research will commence with a comprehensive literature review to provide a solid foundation of existing knowledge on microRNAs and their involvement in cancer biology. This review will encompass studies highlighting specific microRNAs that have been identified as key players in different types of cancer, as well as their known target genes and biological functions. Methodologically, the project will employ a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches to investigate the functional consequences of altering microRNA expression levels in cancer cells. Cell culture models will be utilized to manipulate the expression of specific microRNAs and assess their effects on gene expression profiles, cellular phenotypes, and signaling pathways associated with cancer progression. Furthermore, the study will explore the potential crosstalk between microRNAs and other regulatory mechanisms, such as epigenetic modifications and signaling pathways, to gain a more holistic understanding of the regulatory networks governing gene expression in cancer cells. The findings from this research endeavor are expected to shed light on the intricate interplay between microRNAs and gene expression in the context of cancer, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Ultimately, the project aspires to contribute to the growing body of knowledge aimed at unraveling the complex molecular mechanisms underlying cancer pathogenesis and progression.