In the context of cancer, miRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Dysregulation of miRNAs can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, evasion of apoptosis, and increased metastatic potential. For example, the overexpression of certain miRNAs can downregulate tumor suppressor genes, while the loss of other miRNAs can lead to the overexpression of oncogenes. Analyzing miRNA expression profiles in tumor tissues can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression.
