Question

Describe at least 2 miRNAs that are involved with the process of either inhibiting or promoting metastasis and describe how they function.

Answer 1

miRNA or micro RNAs are the small RNA molecules which are involved in the RNA silencing. They are involved in post transcriptional modification of gene expression.

They are also involved in the metastasis phenomenon in which tumors become malignant or cancerous. They may suppress this or promote. Let us take promoters-

Two such examples are:

let-7i micro RNA

miR-10b micro RNA.

They promote metastasis. They secrete exosomes. Exosomes transport essential biomolecules to the cancerous cells from the normal cells and thereby promoting cancer.

By binding with essential genes miRNA abrupt the gene expression in which targets are not achieved.

Thanks.