Question

Highlight the link between miRNA and cancer using examples of miRNAs that either target proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressors.

a) miRNAs can regulate cancer by targeting proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressors. For instance, miR-21 upregulates proto-oncogenes, promoting cancer progression.

b) miRNAs play a role in cancer by targeting tumor suppressors; miR-34 targets TP53, suppressing its function and contributing to tumorigenesis.

c) The association between miRNA and cancer involves miRNAs targeting both proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors. For instance, miR-155 targets tumor suppressors, promoting cancer development.

d) miRNAs, such as let-7, target proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors, demonstrating their dual regulatory role in cancer.

Answer 1

miRNAs can regulate cancer by targeting proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Examples include miR-21 upregulating proto-oncogenes and miR-34 targeting tumor suppressor TP53. Inhibiting miRNA expression could be a potential cancer treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Link Between miRNA and Cancer

miRNAs can regulate cancer by targeting proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressors. For example, miR-21 upregulates proto-oncogenes, promoting cancer progression. On the other hand, miRNAs like miR-34 target tumor suppressors such as TP53, suppressing their function and contributing to tumorigenesis. Additionally, miRNAs like miR-155 can target both proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors.

Changes in miRNA activity can contribute to the growth of specific cancer types, and some miRNAs expressed only in cancer cells could be potential drug targets. Inhibiting miRNA expression in cancer cells could be an effective method to treat cancer.