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Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
08:40

Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library

Published on: April 6, 2012

miR-221 affects multiple cancer pathways by modulating the level of hundreds messenger RNAs

Laura Lupini1, Cristian Bassi, Manuela Ferracin

  • 1Dipartimento di Morfologia, Chirurgia e Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara Ferrara, Italy.

Frontiers in Genetics
|May 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA miR-221, often elevated in cancers, targets 602 genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. This study identifies new targets, enhancing understanding of miR-221

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • MicroRNA miR-221 is frequently over-expressed in various human neoplasms.
  • Understanding miR-221's molecular mechanisms in tumorigenesis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel gene targets of miR-221.
  • To elucidate the role of miR-221 in cancer promotion.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression profiling of miR-221-transfected SNU-398 cells using the Sylamer algorithm.
  • Analysis of down-regulated mRNAs with sequences homologous to miR-221 in their 3'UTRs.
  • Experimental validation of selected miR-221 target genes in multiple cell lines (SNU-398, HepG2, HEK293).

Main Results:

  • Enforced miR-221 expression led to the down-regulation of 602 mRNAs.
  • Pathway analysis indicated significant involvement of these targets in cell proliferation and apoptosis.
  • Activation of key oncogenic pathways (E2F, MYC, NFkB, β-catenin) was confirmed.
  • Validation of specific targets including RB1, WEE1, APAF1, ANXA1, and CTCF.

Conclusions:

  • This study identifies a comprehensive set of miR-221 gene targets.
  • The findings deepen the understanding of miR-221's molecular mechanisms in tumorigenesis.
  • miR-221 promotes cancer by modulating numerous oncogenic pathways through mRNA level changes.
Keywords:
Sylamergene targetsmiR-221microRNAmicroarray

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