Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
16:24
Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
MicroRNA-regulated pathways associated with endometriosis
E Maria C Ohlsson Teague1, Kylie H Van der Hoek, Mark B Van der Hoek
1Research Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia. maria.teague@adelaide.edu.au
Molecular Endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.)
|December 17, 2008
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in endometriosis development. This study identified 22 differentially expressed miRNAs and their mRNA targets, revealing pathways that promote endometriosis and suggesting miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory molecules potentially involved in endometriosis pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate miRNA expression profiles in ectopic versus eutopic endometrial tissues.
- To identify target genes and molecular pathways regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs in endometriosis.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis of paired ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues to assess miRNA expression.
- Quantitative RT-PCR to validate differential miRNA expression.
- In silico analysis to predict miRNA targets and functional enrichment analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified 22 differentially expressed miRNAs (14 up-regulated, 8 down-regulated) in ectopic endometrial tissue.
- Predicted 3851 mRNA targets for these miRNAs, with 673 also differentially expressed.
- Functional analysis linked miRNA targets to key signaling pathways (e.g., Akt, CCND1) implicated in endometriosis.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulated miRNA expression significantly impacts molecular pathways involved in endometriosis.
- These findings highlight the role of miRNAs in both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation in endometriosis.
- Identified miRNAs and their targets represent potential therapeutic targets for endometriosis treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
01:15Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...