microRNAs与消化系肿瘤

Relationship between microRNAs and Digestive System Cancers

微RNA（miRNAs）是一类大小约21—25个核苷酸、非蛋白质编码的小分子RNA．可通过干扰mRNA翻译，下调靶基因表达，从而调控体内许多重要生命活动。近年来研究发现，miRNAs异常参与了多种消化系肿瘤的发生和发展，如食管癌、胃癌、结直肠癌、肝癌、胆管癌、胰腺癌等。本文就miRNAs的生物学特性及其在消化系肿瘤中的作用作一综述。

MieroRNAs （miRNAs） are a family of small noncoding RNAs of 21-25 nucleotides, which could down- regulate the expression of target genes through interference of mRNA translation and play pivotal roles in biological processes. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been found in the development and progression of digestive system cancers, including esophageal, gastric, hepatic, pancreatic, biliary and colorectal cancer. The present review focus on the biological characteristics of miRNAs and the studies on the involvement of miRNAs in digestive system cancers.