Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Cancer is a complex and devastating disease that continues to be a major health challenge worldwide. Over the years, research has shown that dysregulation of microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression. This thesis aims to explore the role of microRNAs in cancer, focusing on their mechanisms of action, diagnostic potential, and therapeutic implications. Chapter One provides an introduction to the study, discussing the background of the research, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review in Chapter Two covers ten key aspects related to microRNAs in cancer, including their biogenesis, functions, dysregulation in different cancer types, and their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed in this study, including the selection of cell lines and patient samples, RNA extraction and quantification methods, microRNA profiling techniques, bioinformatics analyses, and statistical approaches. The results and findings of this research are extensively discussed in Chapter Four, highlighting the dysregulated microRNAs identified in various cancer cell lines and patient samples, their target genes, and the pathways involved in cancer development and progression. The conclusion and summary in Chapter Five provide a comprehensive overview of the study, emphasizing the significance of microRNAs in cancer biology and their potential as therapeutic targets. The implications of the findings for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment are also discussed, along with recommendations for future research directions in this field. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the role of microRNAs in cancer and underscores the importance of further research to harness the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these small regulatory molecules in combating cancer.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Exploring the Role of MicroRNAs in Cancer Development and Progression" delves into the intricate relationship between microRNAs and cancer, aiming to shed light on their roles in cancer initiation, progression, and potential therapeutic implications. This research is crucial as cancer continues to be a major health concern globally, with a pressing need for better understanding of its underlying mechanisms to develop more effective treatment strategies. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that play essential roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation. In recent years, they have emerged as key players in cancer biology, influencing various aspects of tumorigenesis such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. Understanding how microRNAs function in the context of cancer can provide valuable insights into the molecular pathways driving oncogenesis and may lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The research will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature on microRNAs in cancer, covering topics such as the dysregulation of specific microRNAs in different cancer types, their diagnostic and prognostic value, and their potential as therapeutic agents. This literature review will serve as the foundation for the subsequent empirical investigation. The empirical phase of the research will involve experimental studies to elucidate the specific roles of selected microRNAs in cancer development and progression. This will include in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the effects of manipulating microRNA expression on cancer cell behavior, with a focus on key hallmarks of cancer such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. The research will also explore the interplay between microRNAs and established oncogenic pathways, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their mechanistic involvement in cancer. The findings from this research have the potential to contribute significantly to the field of cancer biology by uncovering novel insights into the roles of microRNAs in cancer development and progression. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which microRNAs influence cancer phenotypes, this research may open up new avenues for the development of targeted therapies that exploit the dysregulation of microRNAs in cancer cells. In conclusion, the project "Exploring the Role of MicroRNAs in Cancer Development and Progression" represents a critical endeavor to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between microRNAs and cancer biology. Through a combination of literature review and empirical research, this project aims to unravel the intricate mechanisms by which microRNAs contribute to cancer pathogenesis, with the ultimate goal of informing the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.