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Tumour microvesicles contain retrotransposon elements and amplified oncogene sequences
Leonora Balaj1, Ryan Lessard, Lixin Dai
1Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
Nature Communications
|February 3, 2011
Summary
Tumour microvesicles carry DNA and RNA, including oncogenes and retrotransposons. This genetic material can transfer to normal cells, suggesting microvesicles as potential cancer biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Genetics
Background:
- Tumour cells release microvesicles containing proteins and RNAs.
- The full genetic cargo of tumour microvesicles is not yet completely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of DNA and transposable elements within tumour microvesicles.
- To explore the potential of tumour microvesicles as biomarkers for cancer detection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microvesicles isolated from tumour cells and serum of tumour-bearing mice.
- Detection and characterization of DNA, RNA, oncogene sequences, and retrotransposon elements within microvesicles.
Main Results:
- Tumour microvesicles contain DNA reflecting the tumour's genetic status, including amplified oncogenes like c-Myc.
- High levels of retrotransposon RNA transcripts (LINE-1, Alu) were found in tumour microvesicles.
- Transposable elements from tumour microvesicles can be transferred to normal cells.
- Tumour microvesicles carry a diverse genetic repertoire including DNA, RNA, oncogenes, and transposable elements.
Conclusions:
- Tumour microvesicles possess a comprehensive set of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA.
- The genetic content of tumour microvesicles suggests their role in horizontal gene transfer.
- Tumour microvesicles represent a promising source for developing novel blood-based cancer biomarkers.
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