MicroRNA miR-34 Inhibits Human Pancreatic Cancer Tumor-Initiating Cells

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in cancer initiation and progression via their ability to affect expression of genes and proteins that regulate cell proliferation and/or cell death. Transcription of the three miRNA miR-34 family members was recently found to be directly regulated by p53. Among the target proteins regulated by miR-34 are Notch pathway proteins and Bcl-2, suggesting the possibility of a role for miR-34 in the maintenance and survival of cancer stem cells. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We examined the roles of miR-34 in p53-mutant human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa2 and BxPC3, and the potential link to pancreatic cancer stem cells. Restoration of miR-34 expression in…

• UO
  University of Michigan

  Award: P30 CA46592
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: CA46592, P30 CA46592
• UO
  University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center

  Awards: CA46592, P30 CA46592