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MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR
Published on: May 16, 2012
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microRNAs and Prostate Cancer.
Sajni Josson1,2, Leland W K Chung3, Murali Gururajan4,5
1Uro-Oncology Research Program, Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA. sajni.j@gmail.com.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|December 15, 2015
Summary
MicroRNAs drive tumor growth and metastasis by promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reprogramming the tumor microenvironment. These microRNAs are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for bone metastatic prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- MicroRNAs regulate key cellular processes like embryonic stem cell development and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Tumor cells exploit EMT and stemness for growth and metastasis, particularly to bone.
- Tumor-stromal interactions within the tumor microenvironment are crucial for cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNAs in mediating tumor-stromal interactions.
- To explore microRNAs as drivers of EMT, stemness, and bone metastasis in prostate cancer.
- To identify microRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metastatic prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microRNA involvement in cell-cell communications and extracellular vesicles.
- In vitro and in vivo studies assessing microRNA-induced changes in stromal cells.
- Correlation of specific microRNA expression (DLK1-DIO3 cluster) with patient survival in metastatic prostate cancer.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs are key components of extracellular vesicles involved in tumor-stromal communication.
- MicroRNAs induce reactive stroma, promoting aggressive tumor growth and metastasis.
- Specific microRNAs from the DLK1-DIO3 cluster are linked to patient survival in metastatic prostate cancer.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are critical mediators of tumor growth, EMT, and metastasis via intrinsic and extracellular mechanisms.
- MicroRNAs contribute to the development of a pro-tumorigenic tumor microenvironment.
- MicroRNAs represent promising novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for bone metastatic prostate cancer.
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