Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
06:01
Clinicopathological Analysis of miRNA Expression in Breast Cancer Tissues by Using miRNA In Situ Hybridization
Published on: June 7, 2016
Microarray-based analysis of microRNA expression in breast cancer stem cells
Jian-guo Sun1, Rong-xia Liao, Jun Qiu
1Cancer Institute of People's Liberation Army, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research : CR
|January 4, 2011
Summary
Researchers identified key microRNAs (miRNAs) in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) with significant tumor-initiating capabilities. This discovery offers new avenues for understanding and targeting cancer-driving cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are crucial for tumor initiation and recurrence.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving BCSCs is vital for effective cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile microRNAs (miRNAs) in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs).
- To explore the functional roles of characteristic BCSC miRNAs in tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of BCSCs (ESA+CD44+CD24-/low) from MCF-7 cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
- Validation of stem cell properties via human breast cancer xenograft assays.
- Microarray analysis for screening BCSC-related miRNAs, followed by bioinformatic analysis and target prediction.
Main Results:
- BCSCs exhibited significantly higher tumor-initiating capability (100-1000 fold) compared to MCF-7 cells.
- Tumors derived from BCSCs displayed characteristics of luminal epithelial and myoepithelial cells.
- Identified miRNA profiles in BCSCs, with potential targets including oncogenes and regulatory genes.
Conclusions:
- A distinct subset of differentially expressed miRNAs in BCSCs was identified.
- These findings provide a foundation for investigating BCSC functions and developing targeted therapies.
- Evaluating characteristic BCSC miRNAs offers a novel approach to target the tumorigenic subpopulation in breast cancer.
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...