miRNAs are short, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in mRNA, leading to mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation. In cancer, miRNAs can act as either oncogenes (oncomiRs) or tumor suppressors. Dysregulation of miRNAs can disrupt the balance of cell proliferation and apoptosis, contributing to carcinogenesis. For instance, overexpression of oncomiRs can lead to the suppression of tumor suppressor genes, while loss of tumor-suppressive miRNAs can result in the overexpression of oncogenes.
