Emmanuel Atiatorme^1,, Richard Osafo²

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNA that controls gene expression post-transcriptionally through either translational repression or mRNA degradation. By regulating the translation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, altered miRNA expression is linked to the development and progression of numerous human malignancies. Cleavage and translational modification of target proteins are some possible ways that miRNA affects target gene expression. MiRNAs are increasingly becoming recognized as critical regulators of biological processes such as differentiation, embryonic development, cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, stress resistance, fat metabolism, immunological defense, virus-related illnesses, and, most crucially, carcinogenesis. On the other hand, they appear to be key prognostic markers in patients with a variety of cancers, and they could be used as therapeutic tools. The current review focuses on recent findings in this fascinating new field of research, with a particular focus on the role of miRNA alterations in cancer pathogenesis. We explained how miRNA expression is altered in cancer at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, and how this elucidates some abnormal miRNA expression in cancer as well as some potential treatment controls for carcinogenesis. Our findings revealed that some miRNAs have evolved unique features and roles that control other transcriptional or posttranscriptional silencing pathways, resulting in carcinogenesis. The dynamic aspect of miRNA-based control in complex regulatory networks is highlighted by the evolution of miRNA processing and functional diversity. This review will aid in understanding how miRNA dysregulation affects cancer cell formation, as well as the development of more effective and secure miRNA-based therapies.

argonaute, GW182, microRNA, miRNPs, translational repression