MicroRNA-21 as a potential colon and rectal cancer biomarker

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant diseases worldwide and the prognosis is still poor although much progress has been achieved in recent years. In order to reduce CRC-related deaths, many studies are aimed at identifying novel screening-and prognosis-related biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of 18-27-nucleotide single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. It has been demonstrated that miRNAs regulate a variety of physiological functions, including development, cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. They play important roles in various physiologic and developmental processes and in the initiation and progression of various human cancers. It has been shown that miRNAs can critically regulate tumor cell gene expression, and evidence suggests that they may function as both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In CRC, miRNAs-21 is one of the most important miRNAs and is rapidly emerging as a novel biomarker in CRC, with good potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. In this review, we summarize the latest research findings of the clinicopathological relevance of miRNAs-21 in CRC initiation, development, and progress, highlighting its potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic application, as well as discussing future prospects. (C) 2013 Baishideng. All rights reserved.