MicroRNA expression in the progression and aggressiveness of papillary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

In the last two decades microRNAs have received great attention in research because of their ability to regulate gene expression. Many studies have shown that defects in different microRNA molecules are linked to many diseases; however, their contribution towards thyroid disease has not been fully explored. Herein, we present a short review of the present state of knowledge on microRNAs, such as their origin, their biogenesis and biological function, as well as their differential expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Dysregulated microRNA has been closely linked to thyroid dysfunction and oncogenicity leading to this type of thyroid cancer. The effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in microRNA are also discussed with respect to papillary thyroid carcinoma.