MicroRNA suppresses prostate cancer stem cells and metastasis
Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 17:30
in Health & Medicine
A small slice of RNA inhibits prostate cancer metastasis by suppressing a surface protein commonly found on prostate cancer stem cells. miR-34a targets a surface protein common to cancer stem cells and associated with tumor development and metastasis. When the micro RNA stifles CD44, it inhibits formation of prostate stem cells. Researchers blocked tumor formation, shrunk tumors and inhibited metastasis in mouse models.