microRNA will help in the fight against lung cancer
Scientists at Yale University and Asuragen, working under the guidance of Dr. Frank Slack, have demonstrated the ability of let-7 microRNA to significantly suppress the growth of malignant lung tumors. The results obtained indicate not only the direct role of microRNAs in the progression of tumors, but also the possibility of using molecules of this class as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer.
Initially, the authors identified let-7 microRNAs in the body of C.elegans roundworms, which are a popular model for studying the development, growth and aging of the body. Further study of this molecule showed that in the human body it carries out negative regulation of the well–known determinant of human lung cancer - the RAS oncogene.
In collaboration with Asuragen specialists, scientists analyzed the ability of let-7 to suppress tumor growth. They found that the level of let-7 miRNA in lung tumors is significantly reduced, which contributes to the progression of neoplasms.
This discovery was the impetus for the start of a new work, in which the researchers demonstrated the ability of let-7 to inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells in culture. They also found that intranasal administration of this microRNA suppresses the growth of lung tumors in several mouse models.
The authors believe that their results are the first direct evidence that let-7 miRNA plays the role of suppressing tumor growth agent. The fact that similar results were obtained using different experimental models indicates the possibility of using let-7 microRNA for the treatment of various forms of human lung cancer.
According to experts, the results of this work provide new evidence of the important role of microRNAs in the development of malignant tumors and provide additional arguments in favor of using microRNA replacement therapy as a component of therapeutic cancer treatment protocols.
Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of ScienceDaily
25.03.2008