MicroRNA Silence Cancer-Fighting Genes
Friday, April 30, 2010 - 11:51
in Biology & Nature
Molecules called microRNA can silence genes that protect the genome from cancer-causing mutations, say Ohio State researchers writing in PNAS. Their study shows that microRNA-155 (miR-155) can inhibit the activity of genes that normally correct the damage when the wrong bases are paired in DNA. The loss or silencing of these genes, which are called mismatch repair genes, causes inherited cancer-susceptibility syndromes and contributes to the progression of colorectal, uterine, ovarian and other cancers. "Our findings suggest that miR-155 expression might be an important stratification factor in the prognosis and treatment of cancer patients," says Dr. Carlo M. Croce, from Ohio State's Human Cancer Genetics program. read more