We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Loss of a Specific MicroRNA Leads to Growth and Spread of Pancreatic Cancer

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 07 Mar 2016
Print article
Image: Micrograph of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma—the most common type of pancreatic cancer (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: Micrograph of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma—the most common type of pancreatic cancer (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Cancer researchers have found that the loss of a specific microRNA (miRNA) enables pancreatic cancer cells to avoid the tumor suppressor pathways that induce senescence and induces them go grow and spread.

MicroRNAs are a class of about 20 nucleotides-long RNA fragments that block gene expression by attaching to molecules of messenger RNA in a fashion that prevents them from transmitting the protein synthesizing instructions they had received from the DNA. With their capacity to fine-tune protein expression via sequence-specific interactions, miRNAs help regulate cell maintenance and differentiation.

Investigators at the University of Montreal (Canada) reported in the February 18, 2016, online edition of the journal Cell Reports that pancreatic tumors often lost the ability to express the microRNA miR-137. They found that miR-137 targeted the messenger RNA responsible for translating the enzyme KDM4A (lysine-specific demethylase 4A) during Ras-induced senescence. Loss of KDM4A expression through inhibition by miR-137 activated both the p53 and the retinoblastoma (pRb) tumor suppressor pathways.

Restoring KDM4A expression by removing miR-137 enabled the cancer cells to avoid senescence. In contrast, restoration of miR-137 expression inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and promoted senescence.

"It is essential that we better understand the mechanisms that lead to the loss of miR-137 expression. Once we do, we can create therapeutic strategies to treat and prevent pancreatic cancer," said senior author Dr. Frédérick Antoine Mallette, assistant professor of immunology and oncology at the University of Montreal.

Related Links:

University of Montreal


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
Gold Member
Real-time PCR System
GentierX3 Series

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.