Thesis Abstract

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, with a focus on understanding how these small molecules contribute to the development and progression of cancer. The research methodology involved the identification and profiling of miRNAs in cancer cells through high-throughput sequencing techniques. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict potential target genes of the identified miRNAs and assess their functional roles in cancer pathways. Experimental validation of the miRNA-target interactions was carried out using cell culture models and molecular biology techniques. The findings revealed a complex network of interactions between miRNAs and target genes, highlighting the diverse regulatory mechanisms employed by miRNAs in cancer cells. Several key miRNAs were identified as potential regulators of critical oncogenic pathways, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to the understanding of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in cancer cells, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting dysregulated miRNAs. The results of this study have implications for personalized cancer therapy and precision medicine, offering new opportunities for improving patient outcomes. In conclusion, this thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, shedding light on the intricate molecular mechanisms involved in cancer pathogenesis. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on miRNA biology and its implications for cancer research and therapy.

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 RNA molecules that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) and either inhibiting translation or promoting mRNA degradation. In the context of cancer, dysregulation of microRNAs has been implicated in various aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. The research will involve a comprehensive literature review to elucidate the current understanding of the role of microRNAs in cancer biology. This will provide a solid foundation for the subsequent experimental work, which will focus on identifying specific microRNAs that are dysregulated in cancer cells and investigating their effects on gene expression profiles. Utilizing advanced molecular biology techniques, such as quantitative real-time PCR and next-generation sequencing, the study will aim to uncover novel microRNA-gene regulatory networks that are perturbed in cancer. Furthermore, the project will investigate the functional consequences of dysregulated microRNAs in cancer cells by conducting in vitro experiments using cell lines representative of different cancer types. By modulating the expression levels of specific microRNAs and analyzing the resulting changes in gene expression patterns, the study will seek to elucidate the downstream signaling pathways and biological processes that are affected by aberrant microRNA activity. Overall, this research endeavor holds significant promise for advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression. By uncovering the roles of microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, the project aims to contribute valuable insights that may ultimately lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.