Autori: Kulshreshtha R, Ferracin M, Wojcik SE, Garzon R, Alder H, Agosto-Perez FJ, Davuluri R, Liu CG, Croce CM, Negrini M, Calin GA, Ivan M.

Editorial: Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2006.

Rezumat:

Recent research has identified critical roles for microRNAs in a large number of cellular processes, including tumorigenic transformation. While significant progress has been made towards understanding the mechanisms of gene regulation by microRNAs, much less is known about factors affecting the expression of these noncoding transcripts. Here, we demonstrate for the first time a functional link between hypoxia, a well-documented tumor microenvironment factor, and microRNA expression. Microarray-based expression profiles revealed that a specific spectrum of microRNAs (including miR-23, 24, 26, 27, 103, 107, 181, 210 and 213) is induced in response to low oxygen, at least some via a hypoxia-inducible factor-dependent mechanism. Select members of this group (mir-26, 107 and 210) decrease pro-apoptotic signaling in a hypoxic environment, suggesting an impact of these transcripts in tumor formation. Interestingly, the vast majority of hypoxia-induced microRNAs are also overexpressed in a variety of human tumors.

Cuvinte cheie: microRNAs, hypoxia, camcer