Aberrant microRNAs expression in CD133/CD326 human lung adenocarcinoma initiating cells from A549

Sheng Lin1, Jian-Guo Sun, Jing-Bo Wu

  • 1Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.

Molecules and Cells
|February 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in tumor-initiating cells (TICs). This study enriched lung adenocarcinoma TICs using paclitaxel and serum-free medium, identifying 50 aberrant miRNAs potentially regulating TIC behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their role in the dysregulation of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) across various cancers.
  • Lung adenocarcinoma TICs pose a challenge for isolation due to the lack of definitive markers, hindering effective therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To enrich and characterize tumor-initiating cells (TICs) from lung adenocarcinoma.
  • To identify aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with enriched TICs and investigate their potential role in regulating TIC bio-behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Enrichment of TICs from A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells using a combination of paclitaxel and serum-free medium (inverse-induction).
  • Identification of TICs by CD133 and CD326 markers, indicative of stemness features.
  • miRNA microarray analysis to detect differentially expressed miRNAs between enriched TICs and normal cells.
  • Quantitative RT-PCR validation of selected miRNAs in cell lines and primary samples.

Main Results:

  • Enrichment of lung adenocarcinoma TICs was achieved using the inverse-induction method.
  • miRNA microarray analysis revealed over 50 miRNAs with a greater than 2-fold change in expression in TICs compared to normal cells.
  • Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed the aberrant expression of specific miRNAs, including miR-29ab, miR-183, miR-17-5p, and miR-127-3p.

Conclusions:

  • Aberrantly expressed miRNAs, such as miR-29ab, miR-183, miR-17-5p, and miR-127-3p, are associated with lung adenocarcinoma tumor-initiating cells.
  • These miRNAs may play a significant role in regulating the biological behavior and stemness properties of TICs.
  • The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying TIC regulation and suggest potential therapeutic targets.