Development of novel microRNA-based therapeutics platform for colorectal cancer

Abstract Despite extensive efforts for over 50 years, resistance to chemotherapeutic treatment remains a significant challenge for many different types of cancer including colon cancer. Chemoresistance presents such a major challenge due to the fact that there are several different factors that allow cancer cells to evade treatment such as the heterogeneous nature of colon cancer and the presence of highly resistant colon cancer stem cells. Cancer cells are very adaptable and can rely on epigenetic changes to rapidly respond to chemotherapeutic challenges. Through regulation of various different cellular pathways such as apoptosis and autophagy, cancer cells can overcome the challenge posed by therapeutics. Novel approaches are needed to address this challenge. One potential approach is using miRNA to sensitize colon cancer cells to therapeutic treatment. In this review, we highlight and discuss some of the recent advancements in strategies to combat chemoresistance associated with colon cancer stem cells by manipulating miRNAs.