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Micro-RNA378a-3p Induces Apoptosis in Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma and Regulates POLR2A and RUNX2 Expression

Wen-Hui Weng1, Kai-Jie Yu2,3, Ju-Wen Jhan2

  • 1Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and Graduate Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.; wendywwh@ntut.edu.tw.

Anticancer Research
|January 30, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-378 (miR-378) inhibits POLR2A and RUNX2 gene expression in sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC), promoting cancer cell apoptosis. This finding offers potential therapeutic targets for aggressive sRCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC) is an aggressive cancer subtype.
  • The roles of POLR2A and RUNX2 genes in RCC and their association with miR-378 remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the involvement of POLR2A and RUNX2 in RCC signaling pathways.
  • Determine the association between POLR2A, RUNX2, and miR-378 in sRCC.
  • Explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these molecules in sRCC.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed 13 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded RCC samples.
  • Utilized software to predict miR-378 gene regulation in RCC.
  • Performed immunohistochemistry, Western Blotting, and flow cytometry on RCC cell lines and samples.
  • Conducted microRNA-378 transfection experiments.

Main Results:

  • POLR2A and RUNX2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in sRCC compared to other RCC subtypes.
  • Overexpression of miR-378 significantly suppressed POLR2A and RUNX2 expression in sRCC cells.
  • miR-378 overexpression enhanced apoptosis in sRCC cells.

Conclusions:

  • miR-378 inhibits POLR2A and RUNX2 expression in sRCC, promoting apoptosis.
  • The observed apoptosis mechanism in sRCC may involve ERK2 and PI3K/AKT pathways.
  • These findings suggest miR-378 as a potential therapeutic target for sRCC.
Keywords:
ERK2 (MAPK1)POLR2ARUNX2Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinomamicro-RNA378a-3p

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