Implications of the histological determination of microRNAs in the screening, diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer

MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNA molecules that participate in the regulation of gene expression. Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of microRNAs in oncogenesis and a variety of physiological functions. We conducted a literature review of studies that evaluated histological microRNAs in colorectal cancer. Although additional clinical studies are required to substantiate the relationship between microRNAs and colorectal cancer, there is preliminary evidence that microRNAs are related to the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;108:70-73. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.