Research at MIT Shows microRNA's Protective Role

Research at MIT Shows microRNA’s Protective Role

In a paper produced by cancer biologists at MIT, pieces of genetic material, known as snippets, are linked to normal embryonic development in mice. As reported by the Cell in the March 7th issue, a family of microRNAs protect the cells of a mouse during its development in the womb, allowing the to grow normally.

However, researchers theorize that if and when the microRNA become overly active they can nourish cancer cells that would have otherwise died. This translates to yet another reason to target microRNAs during cancer treatments.

“The scientific community is busy trying to understand what specific biological functions these microRNAs affect,” said the lead author of the paper, Andrea Ventura. A postdoctoral associate at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT (formerly the Center for Cancer Research), Ventura works in the lab of Tyler Jacks, famed director of the Koch Institute.

MicroRNA research is still relatively new, as the snippet was only discovered about 10 years ago. When bound to messenger RNAs, microRNAs prevent them from conveying protein assembly instructions, keeping gene expression inhibited. The exact details of how microRNAs behave are still a medical mystery.

To help researchers figure out what role microRNAs play in cancer, they decided to observe how they function normally. They did this by knocking out microRNA genes, and when the miR-17~92 was eliminated, the animals died soon after birth as a result of their lungs being underdeveloped. Additionally, the immune cells (B cells) died early on in the cell development.

“Understanding why these things are happening provides important insight into how microRNAs affect tumorigenesis,” said Ventura. The study suggested that miR-17~92 are crucial to both healthy B cells and normal lung development. While more work needs to be done to prove the hypothesis, the current theory is that as miR-17~92 becomes hyperactive in cancer cells, it fosters life in cells that would have otherwise died.

To receive a FREE Mesothelioma Web information packet** or to make a request, please fill out the following form :

**For a FREE information packet including treatments, clinical trials, and specialists, please complete the form above or call a Mesothelioma Web coordinator at 1-877-367-6376.

News

Resources

If you would like to receive a FREE information packet or have questions about mesothelioma, call us at:

Toll-Free 1-877-367-6376