TICs are characterized by their ability to self-renew, differentiate and initiate tumor formation.
miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that bind to mRNAs resulting in regulation of gene expression and biological functions. The role of miRNAs and TICs in cancer progression led us to hypothesize that miRNAs may regulate genes involved in TIC maintenance. Using whole genome miRNA and mRNA expression profiling of TICs from primary prostate cancer cells, we identified a set of up-regulated miRNAs and a set of genes down-regulated in PSs. Inhibition of these miRNAs results in a decrease of prostatosphere formation and an increase in target gene expression. This study uses genome-wide miRNA profiling to analyze expression in TICs. We connect aberrant miRNA expression and deregulated gene expression in TICs. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing TIC development/maintenance and the role that miRNAs have in the fundamental biology of TICs.
Written by:
Cabarcas SM, Thomas S, Zhang X, Cherry JM, Sebastian T, Yerramilli S, Lader E, Farrar WL, Hurt EM. Are you the author?
Cancer Stem Cell Section, Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA.
Reference: Genomics. 2012 Feb;99(2):108-17. Epub 2011 Dec 20.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22206861
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