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.

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 the context of cancer. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In cancer, dysregulation of microRNAs has been implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to provide a background on microRNAs and their functions in normal and cancerous cells. This will include an in-depth analysis of previous studies on specific microRNAs involved in cancer biology and their potential as diagnostic or therapeutic targets. The methodology section will outline the experimental approach, including the selection of cancer cell lines, the identification of target microRNAs, and the techniques to investigate their effects on gene expression. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments may be conducted to validate the findings and provide a more robust understanding of the regulatory roles of microRNAs in cancer cells. The discussion of findings will present the results of the experiments, highlighting any significant changes in gene expression patterns influenced by specific microRNAs. The implications of these findings in the context of cancer biology will be thoroughly analyzed, shedding light on potential mechanisms by which microRNAs modulate key pathways involved in tumor progression. Finally, the conclusion and summary will synthesize the key findings of the research, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of microRNAs in cancer for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The limitations of the study and future research directions will also be discussed to provide a roadmap for further investigations in this field. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute valuable insights into the regulatory functions of microRNAs in cancer cells, offering potential avenues for targeted therapies and precision medicine approaches in the fight against cancer.