Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Author Spotlight: Genetic Profiling for Fluorouracil Response in Gastric Cancer
06:21

Author Spotlight: Genetic Profiling for Fluorouracil Response in Gastric Cancer

Published on: May 10, 2024

1.4K

MicroRNA-197 influences 5-fluorouracil resistance via thymidylate synthase in colorectal cancer

Z Sun1, N Zhou1, Q Han2

  • 1Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Clinical & Translational Oncology : Official Publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico
|June 10, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-197 (miR-197) enhances sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer by downregulating thymidylate synthase (TYMS). This finding offers a potential therapeutic target for improving treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) exhibits limited response rates (<50%) to first-line fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy.
  • Down-regulation of miR-197 in cancer cells exposed to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) suggests a role in chemotherapy resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the regulatory mechanism of miR-197 in modulating 5-FU sensitivity in colorectal cancer.
  • Identify the molecular targets and pathways influenced by miR-197 in the context of 5-FU treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Dual luciferase reporter assays to confirm miR-197 target interaction.
  • Immunohistochemistry to assess thymidylate synthase (TYMS) expression.
  • MTS assays for evaluating 5-FU resistance in colorectal cancer cell lines.
  • Real-time PCR for quantifying miR-197 expression.

Main Results:

  • miR-197 directly binds to and negatively regulates TYMS expression.
  • Overexpression of miR-197 significantly increased colorectal cancer cell sensitivity to 5-FU.
  • A negative correlation was observed between miR-197 expression and TYMS expression in stage IV mCRC tissues.

Conclusions:

  • miR-197 plays a crucial role in mediating colorectal cancer cell response to 5-FU.
  • Regulation of TYMS expression by miR-197 is a key mechanism underlying 5-FU sensitivity in mCRC.
Keywords:
5-FluorouracilColorectal cancerResistanceThymidylate synthasemiR-197

More Related Videos

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer08:12

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Published on: March 14, 2019

6.1K
Molecular Profiling of the Invasive Tumor Microenvironment in a 3-Dimensional Model of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Ex vivo Fibroblasts10:33

Molecular Profiling of the Invasive Tumor Microenvironment in a 3-Dimensional Model of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Ex vivo Fibroblasts

Published on: April 29, 2014

11.6K

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
69
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...
4.3K
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...
24.8K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

12.1K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.9K
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
4.3K