Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
07:50

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Published on: September 18, 2020

PDCD4 expression inversely correlated with miR-21 levels in gastric cancers

Zhang Cao1, Jung Hwan Yoon, Suk Woo Nam

  • 1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-701, Korea.

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
|January 4, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Reduced Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) expression and elevated miRNA-21 levels are linked to gastric cancer development and progression. These findings suggest potential roles in the disease

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric cancer development is crucial for targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) gene in gastric cancer.
  • To analyze genetic and epigenetic alterations of PDCD4 and its protein expression in gastric tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Examined genetic and epigenetic alterations of the PDCD4 gene.
  • Assessed PDCD4 protein and mRNA expression via quantitative real-time RT-PCR.
  • Analyzed miRNA-21 expression and its correlation with PDCD4.

Main Results:

  • Loss or reduced PDCD4 expression occurred in 36.7% of gastric cancers.
  • No association found between PDCD4 expression and clinicopathological parameters.
  • miRNA-21 overexpression correlated inversely with PDCD4 protein but not mRNA levels.
  • Promoter hypermethylation of PDCD4 was detected in 36.4% of samples.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced PDCD4 expression and miRNA-21 overexpression may contribute to gastric cancer development.
  • These molecular changes present potential therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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...
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Gastritis II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...