Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis
10:40

CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis

Published on: April 25, 2022

The miR-17-92 cluster is over expressed in and has an oncogenic effect on renal cell carcinoma

Tsz-Fung F Chow1, Marina Mankaruos, Andreas Scorilas

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Journal of Urology
|December 22, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are dysregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). miR-20a inhibits ccRCC proliferation, while miR-17-5p promotes it, suggesting therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs with critical roles in gene regulation.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression is a hallmark of many cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
  • Previous work identified 80 dysregulated miRNAs in ccRCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Validate the overexpression of the miR-17-92 cluster in ccRCC.
  • Investigate the functional impact of miR-17-5p and miR-20a on ccRCC cell proliferation.
  • Elucidate the role of miRNA dysregulation in ccRCC pathogenesis using bioinformatics.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for miRNA expression validation.
  • Renal adenocarcinoma cell line (ACHN) model to assess miRNA effects on proliferation.
  • In silico analyses, including target prediction and pattern matching with genomic aberrations.

Main Results:

  • miR-17-92 cluster overexpression was confirmed in ccRCC via qRT-PCR.
  • miR-20a inhibition significantly reduced ccRCC cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.
  • miR-17-5p transfection increased proliferation, an effect reversed by its inhibitor. Bioinformatics identified 10 miRNA clusters and linked miRNA dysregulation to chromosomal aberrations in 37.5% of cases. Key ccRCC molecules (HIFs, mTOR, VEGF, VHL) were predicted as miRNA targets.

Conclusions:

  • Numerous dysregulated proteins in ccRCC are potential miRNA targets.
  • Phylogenetically conserved miRNAs are frequently dysregulated in ccRCC.
  • Specific miRNAs, like miR-20a and miR-17-5p, play opposing roles in ccRCC proliferation, offering potential therapeutic avenues.

More Related Videos

Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy09:40

Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy

Published on: October 4, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells01:06

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR 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...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR 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...