Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
06:09

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Published on: June 7, 2019

9.3K

miR-124 Functions As A Melanoma Tumor Suppressor By Targeting RACK1

Congcong Shen1, Hui Hua2, Lixiong Gu1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China.

Oncotargets and Therapy
|December 11, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) directly targets RACK1, inhibiting melanoma cell growth and spread. This suggests miR-124 and RACK1 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for melanoma.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key posttranscriptional regulators implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
  • Decreased miR-124 levels and elevated RACK1 (a known oncogene) are observed in human cancers, but their specific roles in melanoma remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between miR-124 and RACK1 in melanoma.
  • To determine if miR-124 directly targets RACK1 and affects melanoma cell behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative PCR to assess miR-124 and RACK1 expression in melanoma tissues and cell lines.
  • Dual-Luciferase reporter assay to confirm RACK1 as a direct miR-124 target.
  • Western blot and immunocytochemistry to evaluate RACK1 protein levels.
  • Functional assays (wound-healing, transwell, MTT, flow cytometry) to assess proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • Melanoma tissues exhibited lower miR-124 and higher RACK1 expression compared to normal skin.
  • miR-124 directly targeted and inhibited RACK1 expression in melanoma cells.
  • miR-124 suppressed melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • miR-124 exerts anti-melanoma effects by directly targeting RACK1.
  • miR-124 and RACK1 show potential as diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic factors for melanoma.
  • Targeting the miR-124/RACK1 axis presents a promising therapeutic strategy for melanoma treatment.
Keywords:
RACK1apoptosisinvasionmelanomamiR-124migrationproliferation

More Related Videos

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells11:42

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells

Published on: April 7, 2017

9.8K
Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library08:40

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

Published on: April 6, 2012

18.0K

Related Concept Videos

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...
23.8K
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...
3.7K
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
4.6K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.0K
MAPK Signaling Cascades01:07

MAPK Signaling Cascades

Mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MAPK pathway, activates three sequential kinases to regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. The canonical MAPK pathway starts with a mitogen or growth factor binding to an RTK. The activated RTKs stimulate Ras, which recruits Raf or MAP3 Kinase (MAPKKK), the first kinase of the MAPK signaling cascade. Raf further phosphorylates and activates MEK or MAP2 Kinases (MAPKK), which in turn phosphorylates MAP...
7.7K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.5K