Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have identified a specific microRNA (miRNAs) called ‘miR-155’ that is over-expressed in tongue cancer.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have identified a specific microRNA (miRNAs) called ‘miR-155’ that is over-expressed in tongue cancer.
What is MiR-155?
MiR-155 is a microRNA that in humans is encoded by the MIR155 host gene or MIR155HG.
MiR-155 plays a role in various physiological and pathological processes.
Exogenous molecular control in vivo of miR-155 expression may inhibit malignant growth, viral infections, and enhance the progression of cardiovascular diseases.
About MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non?coding RNAs containing 20–24 nucleotides that participate in virtually all biological pathways in animals.
They have been found to play important roles in many cancers, in carcinogenesis (start of cancer), malignant transformation and metastasis — the development of secondary cancer.
The miRNAs associated with cancer are called ‘Oncomirs’.”
Many of the Oncomirs affect cancer by suppressing the performance of tumour-suppressing agents.
Some of them can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells and yet others prevent tumour growth itself.