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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
Published on: April 7, 2017
Inhibition of foreign-body sarcoma by mammalian RNA?
S M Lavelle1, Maura MhicIomhair
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Clinical Science Institute, National University, Galway, Ireland. sean.lavelle@nuigalway.ie
Abstract:
Long-implanted foreign bodies can provoke sarcoma in several species, although rarely in man. In neoplasia, RNA metabolism is highly active. Several kinds of RNA from 5 species were tested for prevention of foreign-body sarcoma in 8 experiments. Nitrocellulose filters or dialysis bags were the implants used. RNA, usually 1 g/dl, was applied to saturate the filters. They were implanted in groups of 30--50 mice, while concomitant controls received saline-saturated implants. The filters surfaces were 9.8 or 19.6 sq cm with pore diameters (roughness) of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.22 mu. The dialysis bags had 6.3 sq cm surface area and RNA content. Tumour yield was logged weekly. It was compared to that of the controls in each experiment and in the series of trials. Mammalian RNA decreased tumour yield in 9 of 11 trials (1 only at p<0.05), ribosomal RNA (85% reduction) being best. Yeast RNA was inactive. RNA from E.Coli increased tumour yield. Two of three samples of bovine RNase also increased tumour yield, an effect counteracted by admixed RNA. The results would indicate an antitumour effect of mammalian RNA, or a species or concomitant of it, which was irregularly present in the fractions tested, perhaps of ribosomal origin and dialysable.
Insights
Mammalian RNA, particularly ribosomal RNA, showed a significant reduction in foreign-body sarcoma development in mice. Other RNA types and RNase had varying effects, suggesting a potential antitumor role for mammalian RNA.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Long-term implantation of foreign bodies is a known, though rare, cause of sarcoma in humans and other species.
- Neoplastic conditions are characterized by highly active RNA metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of various ribonucleic acid (RNA) types from different species in preventing foreign-body sarcoma.
- To evaluate the efficacy of RNA application to implantable materials for sarcoma prevention.
Main Methods:
- Nitrocellulose filters and dialysis bags saturated with RNA (1 g/dl) were implanted in mice (30-50 per group).
- Control groups received saline-saturated implants.
- Tumor yield was monitored weekly and compared between experimental and control groups across eight experiments.
- Implant surface areas and pore sizes varied; RNA sources included mammalian, yeast, and E. coli.
Main Results:
- Mammalian RNA decreased tumor yield in 9 out of 11 trials, with ribosomal RNA demonstrating an 85% reduction.
- Yeast RNA was ineffective in preventing sarcoma.
- RNA from E. coli and bovine ribonuclease (RNase) increased tumor yield, though the latter effect was mitigated by co-administered RNA.
Conclusions:
- Mammalian RNA exhibits an antitumor effect against foreign-body sarcoma in this model.
- The active component may be of ribosomal origin, dialyzable, and species-specific or a concomitant of mammalian RNA.
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