MicroRNAs; Structure, Function and Implications for Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionary conserved non-coding RNA molecules with approximately 18-25 nucleotids. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level by either inducing mRNA degradation or inhibiting mRNA translation. MicroRNAs have been implicated in the control of physiological and pathological cellular processes. Many miRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor supressors; therefore, mutations in the open reading frame of these molecules may contribute to cancer. Identification of the miRNAs and their target molecules may open up new avenues for understanding the pathways involved in cancer. This review article will discuss the molecular biogenesis of miRNAs and their synthesis in addition to their function and recognition of their molecular targets. On the other hand, the present article evaluates the recent information about the impact of miRNAs on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and how these micro molecules may interfere with the biological characteristics of cancer cells.