MicroRNAs Regulate Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer mortality, with approximately 1.9 million new cases and 0.9 million deaths globally in 2020. One of the poten-tial ways to treat colorectal cancer may be through the use of molecular methods to induce cell apoptosis. Apoptosis is a natural cellular event that regulates the growth and proliferation of body cells and prevents cancer. In this pathway, several molecules are involved; one group promotes this process, and some molecules that are representative of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) inhibit apoptosis. The most important human IAPs include c-IAP1, c-IAP2, NAIP, Survivin, XIAP, Bruce, ILP-2, and Livin. Several studies have shown that the inhibition of IAPs may be useful in cancer treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may be effective in regulat-ing the expression of various proteins, including those of the IAPs family; they are a large sub-group of non-coding RNAs that are evolutionarily conserved. Therefore, in this review, the miRNAs that may be used to target IAPs in colorectal cancer were discussed.