Role of miRNA gene variants in the susceptibility and pharmacogenetics of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant challenges in the field of cancer pathology. miRNAs are among the genetic factors associated with the disease. Although many studies have reviewed the expression patterns of various miRNAs in CRC, few studies have focused on different variants of miRNA. In the present review, miRNA variants have been categorized into three subgroups, including miRNA variants that predict susceptibility to CRC, miRNA variants that predict the clinical parameters of CRC and finally, miRNA variants that predict the pharmacological aspects of CRC. Moreover, a comprehensive review of potentially functional miRNA-associated SNPs as well as their importance as candidate cancer biomarkers are discussed.