Essential metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumorigenic functions of miR-122 in liver

MiR-122, an abundant liver-specific microRNA (miRNA), regulates cholesterol metabolism and promotes hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Reduced miR-122 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) correlates with metastasis and poor prognosis. Nevertheless, the consequences of sustained loss of function of miR-122 in vivo have not been determined. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of mouse Mir122 resulted in hepatosteatosis, hepatitis, and the development of tumors resembling HCC. These pathologic manifestations were associated with hyperactivity of oncogenic pathways and hepatic infiltration of inflammatory cells that produce pro-tumorigenic cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF. Moreover, delivery of miR-122…

• CP
  Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
• OS
  Ohio State University
• UO
  University of Michigan
• NC
  Nationwide Children's Hospital
• P
  Pelotonia
• NI
  National Institutes of Health