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Isolation and Functional Assessment of Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells from Cell and Tissue Samples
07:03

Isolation and Functional Assessment of Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells from Cell and Tissue Samples

Published on: October 2, 2020

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miR-376c-3p modulates the properties of breast cancer stem cells by targeting RAB2A

Feng Zhao1, Ming Zhong1, Wenjiang Pei1

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China.

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|September 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression. This study found that miR-376c-3p targets RAB2A, inhibiting breast cancer stem cell properties and growth, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression involved in cellular processes.
  • Dysregulation of miRNAs is implicated in the progression of various cancers, including breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify specific miRNAs involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, focusing on miRNA-target interactions and their functional consequences.

Main Methods:

  • miRNA microarray analysis to identify differentially expressed miRNAs.
  • Validation assays including quantitative real-time PCR.
  • Functional assays such as mammosphere, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, and transwell invasion assays.
  • In vivo studies using a xenograft mouse model.

Main Results:

  • miR-376c-3p was found to be significantly downregulated in breast tumor tissues and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs).
  • Ras-related protein Rab-2A (RAB2A) was identified and validated as a direct target of miR-376c-3p.
  • miR-376c-3p, by targeting RAB2A, suppressed BCSC self-renewal, proliferation, and invasion.
  • Overexpression of miR-376c-3p inhibited tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model.

Conclusions:

  • miR-376c-3p plays a crucial role in regulating breast cancer stem cell fate and properties by targeting RAB2A.
  • miR-376c-3p exhibits tumor-suppressive functions in breast cancer.
  • miR-376c-3p represents a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.
Keywords:
BCSCsRas-related protein Rab-2AmiR-376c-3p

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