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An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
09:45

An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells

Published on: May 21, 2019

Cooperative control of tumor suppressor genes by a network of oncogenic microRNAs

Konstantinos J Mavrakis1, Christina S Leslie, Hans-Guido Wendel

  • 1Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.

Cell Cycle (Georgetown, Tex.)
|August 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) drive T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) by forming a network that represses tumor suppressor genes. This coordinated action stabilizes the malignant phenotype, distinct from single oncogene drivers.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Individual microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated as oncogenes in cancer models.
  • miRNA expression can influence clinical outcomes in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively analyze miRNA action in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL).
  • To understand the regulatory network of microRNAs in leukmogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of miRNA expression patterns in T-ALL.
  • Cross-referencing with unbiased genetic screening.
  • Computational analyses of miRNA interactions.

Main Results:

  • Multiple microRNAs contribute to leukmogenesis.
  • These microRNAs act as multi-targeted regulators of tumor suppressor genes.
  • Oncomirs form a network with overlapping and redundant interactions.

Conclusions:

  • The network pattern of oncomir action stabilizes the malignant phenotype by repressing cellular failsafe programs.
  • This coordinated miRNA network is distinct from the concept of single oncogenic driver mutations.
  • Findings have implications for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

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