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Nephroblastomas show low expression of microR-204 and high expression of its target, the oncogenic transcription

Karin Koller1, Martin Pichler, Karin Koch

  • 11  Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 25, 8036 Graz, Austria.

Pediatric and Developmental Pathology : the Official Journal of the Society for Pediatric Pathology and the Paediatric Pathology Society
|March 13, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Transcription factors pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 2 (PBX2) and Meis homeobox 1 (MEIS1) are deregulated in nephroblastomas. Lower microRNA-204 (miR-204) expression suggests its involvement in MEIS1 regulation in these tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Nephroblastomas exhibit potential deregulation of transcription factors PBX2 and MEIS1.
  • MEIS1 regulation is complex, influenced by promoter methylation and microRNA-204 (miR-204).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess MEIS1 and PBX2 expression in nephroblastomas.
  • To investigate factors regulating MEIS1, including promoter methylation and miR-204 levels.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for mRNA and miR-204 expression.
  • Immunohistochemistry for protein levels.
  • Methylation-specific PCR assay for MEIS1 promoter methylation.

Main Results:

  • High MEIS1 mRNA (18/21) and protein (22/26) expression found in nephroblastomas.
  • Significantly lower miR-204 expression observed in all nephroblastomas compared to renal parenchyma.
  • No significant change in MEIS1 promoter methylation status.
  • High PBX2 mRNA (11/23) and protein (15/23) expression detected.

Conclusions:

  • MEIS1 and its binding partner PBX2 are expressed in most nephroblastomas.
  • Reduced miR-204 expression may play a role in MEIS1 regulation within nephroblastomas.
Keywords:
MEIS1PBX2miR-204nephroblastoma

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