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, there has been a growing interest in understanding the involvement of miRNAs in cancer development and progression. This thesis investigates the role of miRNAs in cancer, focusing on their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Chapter One provides an introduction to the study, outlining the background of the research, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and key definitions. The literature review in Chapter Two critically examines existing studies on miRNAs in cancer, highlighting the importance of miRNA dysregulation in various types of cancer and its implications for diagnosis and treatment. Chapter Three details the research methodology, including sample collection, miRNA profiling techniques, data analysis methods, and statistical approaches. The findings of the study are presented in Chapter Four, which includes a comprehensive discussion of the role of specific miRNAs in different stages of cancer development and progression. The potential clinical implications of these findings are also discussed. In conclusion, Chapter Five summarizes the key findings of the study and their implications for cancer research and clinical practice. The results suggest that miRNAs hold promise as valuable biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions. Further research is needed to elucidate the complex regulatory networks involving miRNAs in cancer and to translate these findings into clinical applications. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the role of miRNAs in cancer and underscores the importance of further research in this field to improve cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer development and progression" aims to delve into the intricate relationship between microRNAs and cancer, with a specific focus on understanding how these small non-coding RNAs influence the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, thereby impacting various cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and migration. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to explore the current understanding of microRNAs in cancer biology. This review will encompass studies on specific microRNAs implicated in different types of cancer, their target genes, and the underlying mechanisms through which they modulate cancer progression. By synthesizing existing knowledge, the project aims to identify gaps in the literature and potential areas for further investigation. The methodology section will outline the experimental approach to be employed, including the selection of appropriate cell lines or animal models, the techniques for microRNA profiling and target gene identification, and the functional assays to validate the role of specific microRNAs in cancer development. By combining in vitro and in vivo experiments, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of microRNAs on cancer biology. The findings section will present the results of the experiments conducted, highlighting the differential expression of specific microRNAs in cancer cells compared to normal cells, their effects on key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, and their potential as diagnostic or therapeutic targets. The discussion will interpret these findings in the context of existing literature, elucidating the broader implications for cancer research and clinical practice. In conclusion, this research aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the role of microRNAs in cancer development and progression. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which microRNAs influence cancer biology, the project seeks to pave the way for the development of novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapies that could improve the prognosis and treatment outcomes for cancer patients.