Thesis Abstract

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play crucial roles in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In recent years, miRNAs have emerged as key players in cancer development and progression, with dysregulation of miRNA expression patterns implicated in various types of cancer. This thesis aims to explore the role of miRNAs in cancer development and progression, focusing on their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets. Chapter One provides an introduction to the topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance of the study, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms related to miRNAs and cancer. Chapter Two consists of a comprehensive literature review encompassing 10 key areas related to miRNAs in cancer, including their biogenesis, mechanisms of action, involvement in various cancer types, diagnostic and prognostic potential, and therapeutic applications. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed in this study, covering aspects such as sample collection, miRNA profiling techniques, data analysis methods, and statistical approaches used to investigate the role of miRNAs in cancer development and progression. Chapter Four presents an in-depth discussion of the findings obtained from the research, including analysis of miRNA expression profiles in different cancer types, correlations with clinical outcomes, and potential implications for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings and their implications for future research and clinical applications. The study highlights the importance of miRNAs as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the role of microRNAs in cancer development and progression" aims to investigate the intricate relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and cancer, with a focus on understanding how these small non-coding RNA molecules contribute to the development and progression of cancer. MiRNAs are known to play crucial roles in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, thereby influencing various biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, making them promising targets for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. This research will delve into the specific mechanisms by which miRNAs are involved in cancer development and progression. By conducting a comprehensive review of the existing literature on miRNAs and cancer, this project aims to identify key miRNAs that are dysregulated in different types of cancer and understand how their aberrant expression contributes to tumor initiation, growth, invasion, and metastasis. Through in-depth analysis and interpretation of experimental data, this study seeks to elucidate the molecular pathways and signaling networks through which miRNAs exert their oncogenic or tumor-suppressive functions. Furthermore, this research will explore the diagnostic and prognostic potential of miRNAs in cancer by investigating their expression patterns in clinical samples and correlating them with patient outcomes. The project will also assess the therapeutic implications of targeting dysregulated miRNAs in cancer treatment, including the development of miRNA-based therapeutics or strategies to modulate miRNA expression for therapeutic benefit. Overall, this research overview highlights the importance of understanding the role of miRNAs in cancer development and progression, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the advancement of precision medicine approaches for cancer management. By shedding light on the complex interplay between miRNAs and cancer biology, this project aims to provide valuable insights that could potentially lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions and personalized treatment strategies for cancer patients.