Expression Of Certain microRNAs Research Articles

Functional combination of resveratrol and tamoxifen to overcome tamoxifen-resistance in breast cancer cells.

Researchers are encountering challenges in addressing the issue of cancer cells becoming unresponsive to various chemotherapy treatments due to drug resistance. This study was designed to study the influence of antioxidant resveratrol (RSV) to sensitize resistant breast cancer (BC) cells toward tamoxifen (TAM). The cytotoxic effects of RSV and TAM against TAM-resistant LCC2 cells and their parental michigan cancer foundation-7 BC cells were determined by sulphorhodamineB assay. Further, the expression levels of multidrug resistance (MDR) genes including ABCB1, ABCC2, ABCG2, and MRP1 using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, apoptosis induction, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)content using flow cytometry were evaluated in either LCC2 cells treated with RSV, TAM, or their combination. The obtained results showed that resistant cells have a magnificent level of MDR genes. This elevated expression dramatically lowered upon receiving the combined therapy of RSV and TAM. Additionally, our work assessed the possible role of RSV in modulating the expression of MDR genes by controlling the expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) that target ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters. According to the obtained data, theTAM and RSV combination increased the expression of tumor inhibitor miRNAs such miR-10b-3p, miR-195-3p, and miR-223-3p, which made LCC2 cells more sensitive to TAM. Furthermore, this combination showed an elevation in apoptotic levels and total ROS content. The combination between RSV and TAM could be a functional therapy in the fight against TAM-resistant BC cells via modulating miRNA and ABC transporters.

The Effects of Environmental Exposure on Epigenetic Modifications in Allergic Diseases.

Allergic diseases are one of the most common chronic conditions and their prevalence is on the rise. Environmental exposure, primarily prenatal and early life influences, affect the risk for the development and specific phenotypes of allergic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms. Exposure to pollutants, microorganisms and parasites, tobacco smoke and certain aspects of diet are known to drive epigenetic changes that are essential for immune regulation (e.g., the shift toward T helper 2-Th2 cell polarization and decrease in regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation). DNA methylation and histone modifications can modify immune programming related to either pro-allergic interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 13 (IL-13) or counter-regulatory interferon γ (IFN-γ) production. Differential expression of small non-coding RNAs has also been linked to the risk for allergic diseases and associated with air pollution. Certain exposures and associated epigenetic mechanisms play a role in the susceptibility to allergic conditions and specific clinical manifestations of the disease, while others are thought to have a protective role against the development of allergic diseases, such as maternal and early postnatal microbial diversity, maternal helminth infections and dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D. Epigenetic mechanisms are also known to be involved in mediating the response to common treatment in allergic diseases, for example, changes in histone acetylation of proinflammatory genes and in the expression of certain microRNAs are associated with the response to inhaled corticosteroids in asthma. Gaining better insight into the epigenetic regulation of allergic diseases may ultimately lead to significant improvements in the management of these conditions, earlier and more precise diagnostics, optimization of current treatment regimes, and the implementation of novel therapeutic options and prevention strategies in the near future.

A game theory based many-objective hybrid tensor decomposition for skin cancer prediction

The development of skin cancer can be influenced by the abnormal expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs). Current prediction models for miRNA-skin cancer associations have difficulties in maintaining both accuracy and comprehensiveness. To construct a comprehensive and interpretable skin cancer prediction model, various advanced tensor decomposition methods are organically combined, and a many-objective hybrid tensor decomposition model is proposed. In addition, due to the high computational cost of tensor decomposition, a many-objective optimization algorithm based on game theory was designed to solve the model. The game theory was used to dynamically adjust the diversity and convergence of the population, alleviate the pressure of solution selection, and improve the performance of the algorithm. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested on a benchmark, and the prediction results of the many-objective hybrid tensor decomposition model are evaluated by a fivefold test method, and a case study of the prediction results is also presented. Experimental findings reveal that the proposed model and algorithm enhance overall performance by approximately 5.3%, compared to current advanced models.

MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of schizophrenia and influence of antipsychotic treatment.

Characterized by positive symptoms (such as changes in behavior or thoughts, including delusions and hallucinations), negative symptoms (such as apathy, anhedonia, and social withdrawal), and cognitive impairments, schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling mental disorder with late adolescence or early adulthood onset. Antipsychotics are the most commonly used drugs to treat schizophrenia, but those currently in use do not fully reverse all three types of symptoms characterizing this condition. Schizophrenia is frequently misdiagnosed, resulting in a delay of or inappropriate treatment. Abnormal expression of microRNAs is connected to brain development and disease and could provide novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of schizophrenia. The recent studies reviewed included microRNA profiling in blood- and urine-based materials and nervous tissue materials. From the studies that had validated the preliminary findings, potential candidate biomarkers for schizophrenia in adults could be miR-22-3p, -30e-5p, -92a-3p, -148b-5p, -181a-3p, -181a-5p, -181b-5p, -199b-5p, -137 in whole blood, and miR-130b, -193a-3p in blood plasma. Antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia patients was found to modulate the expression of certain microRNAs including miR-130b, -193a-3p, -132, -195, -30e, -432 in blood plasma. Further studies are warranted with adolescents and young adults having schizophrenia and consideration should be given to using animal models of the disorder to investigate the effect of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs.

Molecular pathology of thymoma and thymic carcinoma

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) comprise a heterogeneous group of epithelial-derived thymic neoplasms with diverse clinical behavior and underlying molecular genetic features. Owing to their rare nature, the molecular classification of TETs has only recently begun to be fully explored. The advent of advanced molecular studies, particularly the ability to sequence the DNA and RNA of tumors in a massively parallel fashion, has led to an increased understanding of the molecular underpinnings of thymic neoplasia. Thymomas, characterized by a heterogeneous group of molecular alterations, tend to have low mutational burdens and various copy number abnormalities including a characteristic loss of chromosomal material in the region of 6q25.2-p25.3, a recurrent, specific point mutation GTF2I p.L424H, and specific expression of certain microRNAs. Thymic carcinomas, in contrast, are generally characterized by increased tumor mutational burdens, multiple copy number alterations, and varied, non-recurrent, somatic mutations. Advances in molecular knowledge of TETs allow for more precise molecular classification of these tumors, and the presence of specific alterations aids in the diagnosis of borderline lesions. In the future, additional molecular studies will better delineate the molecular landscape of these tumors and may one day allow for more targeted treatment algorithms. This review aims to cover the current understanding of the molecular alterations thus far identified in thymomas and thymic carcinomas.

Dual-probe fluorescent biosensor based on T7 exonuclease-assisted target recycling amplification for simultaneous sensitive detection of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155.

Effective and simultaneous monitoring of the abnormal expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs), especially for miRNA-21 and miRNA-155, can indicate drug resistance in lung cancer. In this work, T7 exonuclease (T7 Exo)-assisted target recycling amplification coupled with the extensive fluorescence quenching of graphene oxide (GO) was designed for the simultaneous detection of miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 using FAM- and ROX-labeled single-strand DNA probes. Through this method, the variable emission intensities of FAM and ROX caused by the introduction of miRNA-21 and miRNA-155, respectively, were obtained with high sensitivity. The method exhibited excellent analytical performance for simultaneous detection of miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 without cross-interference. The linear range was from 0.005nM to 5nM over three orders of magnitude, with detection limits as low as 3.2 pM and 4.5 pM for miRNA-21 and miRNA-155, respectively. Furthermore, the recovery (92.49-103.67%) and relative standard deviation (RSD < 4.8%) of the standard addition test of miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 in human plasma suggested the potential for drug resistance warning in clinical practice via this simple strategy. A homogeneous T7 Exo-assisted signal amplification combined with GO quenching platform was developed for accurate, sensitive and simultaneous analysis of miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 for drug resistance warning in lung cancer. This simple method exhibited a wide linear range and low LODs for miR-21 and miR-155.

Micro-RNA in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and one of the leading causes of ischaemic stroke. In recent years, microRNA has become an important factor to consider in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA sequences that are divided into proatherogenic and atheroprotective. This study evaluated the leukocyte expression of certain microRNAs (miR-126-(5p/3p), miR-29a-(5p/3p), miR-33a-5p and miR-21-(5p/3p)) in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Statistically significant differences were found between patient groups in regard to the molecular levels, as well as correlations between several microRNAs. This indicates the potential use of microRNA in diagnosis and treatment, and confirms the role of microRNAs as important regulators of carotid atherosclerosis.

Dysregulated microRNA expression in rheumatoid arthritis families\u2014a comparison between rheumatoid arthritis patients, their first-degree relatives, and healthy controls

ObjectiveRecent studies have demonstrated an altered expression of certain microRNAs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as their first-degree relatives (FDRs) compared to healthy controls (HCs), suggesting a role of microRNA in the progression of the disease. To corroborate this, a set of well-characterized RA families originating from northern Sweden were analyzed for differential expression of a selected set of microRNAs.MethodMicroRNA was isolated from frozen peripheral blood cells obtained from 21 different families and included 26 RA patients, 22 FDRs, and 21 HCs. Expression of the selected microRNAs miR-22-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-34a-3p, miR-103a-3p, miR-142-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-155, miR-346, and miR-451a was determined by a two-step quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis including clinical variables was applied.ResultsOut of the nine selected microRNAs that previously have been linked to RA, we confirmed four after adjusting for age and gender, i.e., miR-22-3p (p = 0.020), miR-26b-5p (p = 0.018), miR-142-3p (p = 0.005), and miR-155 (p = 0.033). Moreover, a significant trend with an intermediate microRNA expression in FDR was observed for the same four microRNAs. In addition, analysis of the effect of corticosteroid use showed modulation of miR-103a-3p expression.ConclusionsWe confirm that microRNAs seem to be involved in the development of RA, and that the expression pattern in FDR is partly overlapping with RA patients. The contribution of single microRNAs in relation to the complex network including all microRNAs and other molecules is still to be revealed.Key Points• Expression levels of miR-22-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-155 were significantly altered in RA patients compared to those in controls.• In first-degree relatives, a significant trend with an intermediate microRNA expression in FDR was observed for the same four microRNAs.

Effects of p-coumaric acid on microRNA expression profiles in SNU-16 human gastric cancer cells.

p-Coumaric acid (p-CA), a phenolic compound abundantly found in edible plants, was found to induce apoptosis in SNU-16 gastric cancer cells. However, the effects of p-CA on the microRNA expression pattern in SNU-16 cells have not been reported. The primary objective of this study was to investigate microRNA expression profiles in p-CA-treated SNU-16 cells. SNU-16 cells were treated with 1.5 mM p-CA for 48 h. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed. The accuracy and validity of the RNA sequencing results were tested by real-time PCR. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using the differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs). Thirty-two DEMs were identified between p-CA-treated and control cells, 9 of which were upregulated, and 23 downregulated. GO and KEGG pathway analyses of the target genes indicated that these genes were involved in a variety of biological functions and several cancer-related pathways. The miRNA interactive network analysis identified hsa-miR-125a-5p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, and hsa-miR-7-5p as the major nodes. Our findings indicated that p-CA exerted its anticancer effects in SNU-16 gastric cancer cells by modulating the expression of certain microRNAs, providing a better understanding of the anticancer properties of p-CA in gastric cancer cells.

Serum microRNA profiles among dioxin exposed veterans with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

ABSTRACTPreviously an increased risk for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor of multiple myeloma (MM), was reported among Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and its contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Dysregulated expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) was demonstrated in MGUS and MM. Given the important role of miRNAs in cellular homeostasis, the aim of this study was to determine if there was an association between serum levels of selected miRNAs and TCDD in 47 MGUS cases identified in our previous investigation using serum specimens and exposure data archived by the Air Force Health Study (AFHS). A total of 13 miRNA levels (let-7a, let-7i, miR-16, miR-20a, miR-21, miR-34a, miR-106b, miR-146a, miR-181a, miR-192, miR-205, miR-335, and miR-361) was measured in serum stored during the 2002 AFHS follow-up and the relationship to lipid-adjusted serum TCDD levels in 1987 was determined. miR-34a showed the strongest relationship with TCDD; after age-adjustment, this positive association was more pronounced. In contrast, the other 12 miRNAs displayed absolute values of age adjusted coefficient estimates below 1.16 and non-significant p-values. The observed strong positive association between high body burdens of TCDD and miR-34a, a tumor suppressor regulated by p53, in this MGUS population warrants clarification of the TCDD-miR-34a relationship and its role in the pathogenesis of MGUS and risk for MM.

Metformin mediated microRNA-7 upregulation inhibits growth, migration, and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells.

Metformin, a medication widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, has a possible antitumor effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. MicroRNA-7 is a significant microRNA in non-small cell lung cancer. Metformin has an inhibitory effect on lung cancer and regulates the expression of certain microRNAs, but there is no report connecting metformin with microRNA-7 in lung cancer. Thus, we used qPCR to measure microRNA-7 expression in A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells treated with metformin. We used CCK8, cell scratch, and Transwell assays to test the growth, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. Western blotting was used to measure the expression level of relevant proteins in A549 cells. We found that microRNA-7 was dramatically upregulated by metformin via AMPK in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Both metformin and microRNA-7 mimic reduced A549 cell growth, migration, and invasion. Metformin downregulated the levels of p-NF-κB p65, p-Erk1/2, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins. The treatment with the microRNA-7 mimic had the same result. The decrease of these proteins caused the inhibition of A549 cell growth, migration, and invasion. Our discovery revealed that metformin, via increasing the expression of microRNA-7 mediated by AMPK, regulates the AKT/mTOR, MAPK/Erk, and NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby suppressing A549 cell growth, migration, and invasion.

The link between diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is one of the main complications of diabetes involving multiple causative factors. Dysfunction of the vascular endothelium is a hallmark of most conditions that are associated with both diabetes and atherosclerosis. Although the pathological link between diabetes and atherosclerosis is well-established, better comprehension of the underlying mechanisms is of utmost importance to identify novel potential molecular targets. It is difficult to separate the effects of hyperglycaemia from those of other atherogenic factors: recent evidence shows that they share many common mechanisms, such as endothelial activation and inflammation, mitochondrial oxidative stress, changes in extracellular matrix components and disruption of cellular defence systems. The plausible hypothesis of the 'common soil' between diabetes and atherosclerosis seems to be born from a unique 'ancestor': the nuclear factor κB, a transcription factor able to guide multiple molecular processes. It seems that this master regulator triggers either some hyperglycaemia-induced effects on the endothelial function, or the expression of certain microRNAs (in particular miR-126, -21 and miR-146a-5p) involved in favouring atherosclerosis. Here, we review the latest evidence and proposed mechanisms, aiming to understand the link between diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Modulation of all-trans retinoic acid-induced MiRNA expression in neoplastic cell lines: a systematic review

BackgroundCancer is a genetic and epigenetic disease that involves inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and activation of proto-oncogenes. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an isomer of retinoic acid involved in the onset of differentiation and apoptosis of a number of normal and cancer cells, functioning as an anti-cancer agent in several neoplasms. Ectopic changes in the expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) occur in response to ATRA, leading to phenotypic alterations in neoplastic cell lines. Moreover, the modulation of miRNA patterns upon ATRA-treatment may represent an effective chemopreventive and anti-cancer therapy strategy. The present systematic review was performed to provide an overview of the modulation of ATRA-induced miRNA expression in different types of neoplastic cells and identify the efficacy of intervention factors (i.e., concentration and duration of treatment) and how they influence expression profiles of oncogenesis-targeting miRNAs.MethodsA systematic search was conducted according to the PRISMA statement via the US National Library of Medicine MEDLINE/PubMed bibliographic search engine.ResultsThe search identified 31 experimental studies involving human cell lines from nine different cancer types (neuroblastoma, acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioma, glioblastoma, embryonal carcinoma, and colorectal cancer) treated with ATRA at concentrations ranging from 10− 3 μmol/L to 102 μmol mol/L for 24 h to 21 days.ConclusionThe concentrations used and the duration of treatment of cancer cells with ATRA varied widely. The presence of ATRA in the culture medium of cancer cells was able to modulate the expression of more than 300 miRNAs, and inhibit invasive behavior and deregulated growth of cancer cells, resulting in total tumor remission in some cases. ATRA may thus be broadly effective for neoplasm treatment and prevention, although these studies may not accurately represent in vivo conditions. Additional studies are required to elucidate ATRA-induced miRNA modulation during neoplasm treatment.

Serum microRNAs and chronic periodontitis: A case-control study

ObjectiveAn association is present between periodontitis and rates of expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) in periodontal tissue. However, the association between periodontitis and miRNA levels in human serum is unknown. We performed a case-control study in patients with chronic periodontitis to investigate serum miRNA levels. DesignWe enrolled 30 healthy patients without periodontitis and 30 patients with chronic periodontitis. Participants underwent clinical examination, case selection, and a blood draw from the antecubital vein. Serum miRNA profiles were compared in samples from participants with and without chronic periodontitis using microarray and real-time PCR. ResultsMicroarray demonstrated seven miRNAs that were expressed <1/1.5 or >1.5 in the control group compared to the periodontitis group (p < 0.05). Real-time PCR showed that hsa-miR-664a-3p, hsa-miR-501-5p, and hsa-miR-21-3p were higher in the periodontitis group than the control group (p < 0.05). ConclusionHsa-miR-664a-3p, hsa-miR-501-5p, and hsa-miR-21-3p are candidate serum biomarkers for chronic periodontitis.

Circulating micrornas in postprandial lipemia

Rationale: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and post-prandial lipemia is a major risk factor for CVD, which is defined as the post-food intake period when triglyceride and cholesterol levels increase. Recent studies have shown that there is a relationship between lipid metabolism, postprandial lipemia and the expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and govern complex biological pathways. So, they could be considered as potential therapeutic targets.

Saturated fatty acids-induced miR-424–5p aggravates insulin resistance via targeting insulin receptor in hepatocytes

The excessive intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) causes obesity and liver steatosis, which are major risk factors for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Although the expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting the insulin signaling molecules are regulated aberrantly in SFA-induced obesity, their implications on hepatic insulin resistance are largely unknown. This study examined the associations of miR-424–5p, which is induced by SFA, with the development of insulin resistance. SFA palmitate (PA)-treated HepG2 cells and high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse livers showed an impairment of insulin signaling due to a significant decrease in INSR and IRS-1 expression. Based on expression profiling and qRT-PCR analysis, miR-424–5p, which presumably targets the 3′UTR of INSR, was upregulated in both PA-treated HepG2 cells and the liver of HFD-fed mice. miR-424–5p was found to target the 3′UTR of INSR directly and downregulated INSR expression at the post-transcriptional step. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-424–5p suppressed INSR expression significantly, leading to impaired insulin signaling and glycogen synthesis in hepatocytes. A novel mechanism for how SFA-induced miR-424–5p impairs insulin signaling through the targeting of INSR is reported. In addition, the crucial role and underlying mechanism of miR-424–5p in the obesity-induced hepatic insulin resistance is explained.

Changes in the Coding and Non-coding Transcriptome and DNA Methylome that Define the Schwann Cell Repair Phenotype after Nerve Injury

SummaryRepair Schwann cells play a critical role in orchestrating nerve repair after injury, but the cellular and molecular processes that generate them are poorly understood. Here, we perform a combined whole-genome, coding and non-coding RNA and CpG methylation study following nerve injury. We show that genes involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition are enriched in repair cells, and we identify several long non-coding RNAs in Schwann cells. We demonstrate that the AP-1 transcription factor C-JUN regulates the expression of certain micro RNAs in repair Schwann cells, in particular miR-21 and miR-34. Surprisingly, unlike during development, changes in CpG methylation are limited in injury, restricted to specific locations, such as enhancer regions of Schwann cell-specific genes (e.g., Nedd4l), and close to local enrichment of AP-1 motifs. These genetic and epigenomic changes broaden our mechanistic understanding of the formation of repair Schwann cell during peripheral nervous system tissue repair.

Circulating microrna as novel early biomarker of concussion in elite athletes

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the role of microRNAs in early and late assessments of concussed athletes. Our hypothesis is that expression of certain microRNAs is altered following concussion, and these microRNAs have the potential to become novel biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of concussion.DesignProspective observational case control study.SettingUniversity research centre, single centre.Participants15 concussed athletes divided into 2 groups: Group A (n=9, assessed within a week post-concussion, median 4 days) and B (n=6, assessed over 2 weeks, median 31 days); and 8 age-matched healthy volunteers. Inclusion criteria: male/female elite athletes in contact sports (aged 18-40) who suffered concussion(s) in the games, and being symptomatic with normal neuro-radiological findings at enrolment.Outcome measuresLevels of microRNAs (miR-21, miR-335, miR-425-5p, and miR-502) were measured in blood samples obtained from all participants.Main resultsmiR425-5p was significantly down-regulated in Group A compared with Group B and healthy volunteers (grouping effect p=0.014; post hoc tests p=0.009 and 0.028, respectively). The level of miR425-5p correlated with the interval between assessment and concussion (r2=0.88, p&lt;0.001). No differences were found in other microRNA assessed between the groups.ConclusionsmiR-425-5p is down-regulated in the early phase following sport concussion, and reaches normal levels in the late period, suggesting that it may be a unique microRNA signature for concussion. This makes miR-435-5p a promising candidate biomarker for early evaluation of concussion and monitoring of its recovery. Further longitudinal studies are on-going to establish the time course of miR-425-5p normalisation after concussion.Competing interestsNone.Abstract 5 Figure 1

MiR-1247-5p functions as a tumor suppressor in human hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting Wnt3.

Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) may participate in the genesis and progression of tumors. Several studies have indicated that miR-1247-5p plays different roles in various types of cancer cells. The effects of miR-1247-5p on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are elusive. In the present study, we investigated the effects of miR-1247-5p on the progression of HCC. The transcript of miR-1247-5p was markedly downregulated in clinical samples of patients with HCC and HCC cell lines, and ectopic overexpression of miR‑1247-5p markedly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HepG2 cells, induced cell apoptosis invitro, and suppressed the growth of transplanted tumors invivo. Wnt3 was found to be a potential target of miR-1247-5p and overexpression of miR-1247-5p was able to significantly downregulate the expression of Wnt3 by directly targeting the 3'UTR of this gene, which was verified by luciferase reporter assay and western blotting. Furthermore, we found that the miR-1247-5p gene was hypermethylated in HepG2 cells, and the transcript of miR-1247-5p was increased significantly after treatment with the demethylation drug 5-azacytidine. These findings demonstrated that miR-1247-5p functions as a tumor suppressor in human HCC by targeting Wnt3 and that the expression of miR-1247-5p can be regulated by DNA methylation, which indicates that miR-1247-5p has the potential to be a therapeutic target as well as a diagnostic marker of HCC.

MiR144/451 Expression Is Repressed by RUNX1 During Megakaryopoiesis and Disturbed by RUNX1/ETO.

A network of lineage-specific transcription factors and microRNAs tightly regulates differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells along the distinct lineages. Deregulation of this regulatory network contributes to impaired lineage fidelity and leukemogenesis. We found that the hematopoietic master regulator RUNX1 controls the expression of certain microRNAs, of importance during erythroid/megakaryocytic differentiation. In particular, we show that the erythorid miR144/451 cluster is epigenetically repressed by RUNX1 during megakaryopoiesis. Furthermore, the leukemogenic RUNX1/ETO fusion protein transcriptionally represses the miR144/451 pre-microRNA. Thus RUNX1/ETO contributes to increased expression of miR451 target genes and interferes with normal gene expression during differentiation. Furthermore, we observed that inhibition of RUNX1/ETO in Kasumi1 cells and in RUNX1/ETO positive primary acute myeloid leukemia patient samples leads to up-regulation of miR144/451. RUNX1 thus emerges as a key regulator of a microRNA network, driving differentiation at the megakaryocytic/erythroid branching point. The network is disturbed by the leukemogenic RUNX1/ETO fusion product.