Thesis Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In cancer cells, dysregulation of miRNAs has been implicated in tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. This research project aims to investigate the specific role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, with a focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications. The thesis begins with a comprehensive introduction to miRNAs, highlighting their biogenesis, functions, and significance in cancer biology. The background of the study provides a detailed overview of the current understanding of miRNA dysregulation in cancer and its impact on tumorigenesis. The problem statement emphasizes the need to elucidate the specific roles of miRNAs in cancer cells to develop targeted therapies. The objectives of the study are to identify key miRNAs involved in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, characterize their downstream targets, and explore the functional consequences of miRNA dysregulation. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including the complexity of miRNA-mediated gene regulation and the challenges in interpreting high-throughput sequencing data. The scope of the study encompasses both in vitro and in vivo experiments using cancer cell lines and animal models to investigate the functional effects of manipulating specific miRNAs. The significance of the study lies in its potential to uncover novel regulatory networks controlled by miRNAs and identify new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. The structure of the thesis is outlined, providing a roadmap for the reader to navigate the research findings and discussions. Definitions of key terms related to miRNA biology and cancer are provided to facilitate understanding throughout the thesis. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review of the current knowledge on miRNA dysregulation in cancer, highlighting key studies and discoveries in the field. The review synthesizes existing research to build a foundation for the experimental work conducted in this study. Chapter Three details the research methodology, including experimental design, cell culture techniques, molecular biology assays, and bioinformatics analyses. The chapter outlines the specific steps taken to investigate the role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells and describes the rationale behind each experimental approach. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the research findings, including the identification of key miRNAs, the characterization of their target genes, and the functional consequences of miRNA manipulation in cancer cells. The chapter delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA-mediated gene regulation and discusses the implications of the findings for cancer biology and therapy. Chapter Five provides a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, their significance, and potential future directions for research. The conclusion wraps up the study by emphasizing the importance of understanding miRNA-mediated gene regulation in cancer and its implications for developing targeted therapies. In conclusion, this thesis investigates the role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, shedding light on the complex interplay between miRNAs and their target genes in tumorigenesis. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on miRNA biology and cancer and paves the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting miRNAs in cancer treatment.

Thesis Overview

**Research Overview: Investigating the Role of microRNAs in Regulating Gene Expression in Cancer Cells** Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, often driven by genetic alterations that disrupt normal cellular processes. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating gene expression and influencing various cellular pathways, including those involved in cancer development and progression. These small non-coding RNAs function as post-transcriptional regulators by binding to specific messenger RNA (mRNA) targets, leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression. The proposed research aims to investigate the intricate interplay between miRNAs and gene expression in cancer cells, with a specific focus on understanding how dysregulation of miRNA-mediated mechanisms contributes to tumor initiation and progression. By elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in miRNA-mediated gene regulation, this study seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for developing novel anticancer strategies. The research will involve a comprehensive literature review to provide a thorough understanding of the current knowledge and research findings related to miRNAs and their role in cancer biology. This will serve as the foundation for the experimental work, which will include the analysis of miRNA expression profiles in different cancer cell lines and the identification of target genes regulated by specific miRNAs. Furthermore, the study will utilize advanced molecular biology techniques, such as next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, to characterize the global impact of miRNA dysregulation on gene expression patterns in cancer cells. By integrating experimental data with computational predictions, the research aims to uncover key regulatory networks controlled by miRNAs and their functional implications in cancer pathogenesis. The findings from this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA-mediated gene regulation in cancer cells. By elucidating the specific miRNA-gene interactions that drive tumorigenesis and metastasis, this research has the potential to identify novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Moreover, the identification of dysregulated miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets may pave the way for the development of miRNA-based therapies for cancer treatment. In summary, this research project seeks to advance our understanding of the role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells and their implications for cancer biology and therapy. By integrating experimental and computational approaches, this study aims to uncover novel insights into the complex regulatory networks orchestrated by miRNAs and their impact on cancer progression.