Publication in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications shows miRNA-7-5p inhibits melanoma cell migration and invasion
MiReven launches its new website at www.mireven.com.au
Perth, Western Australia, February 12, 2013 – MiReven, an Australian microRNA company commercialising discoveries from the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) on the anti-cancer potential of miR-7, today announced the publication in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications of an in vitro study where the microRNA “miR-7-5p” significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of metastatic melanoma cells.
At the same time MiReven is launching its new corporate website, which can be viewed at:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) – non-coding regulatory RNA molecules with altered expression and function in cancer – have both oncogenic and tumor suppressor potential. While the function of many miRNAs in melanoma remains unclear, several recent reports have implicated specific miRNAs, including miR-7-5p, in the progression to metastatic disease.
In the study, miR-7-5p expression was shown to be reduced in metastatic melanoma-derived cell lines compared with primary melanoma cells. When the microRNA was reintroduced and expressed ectopically, migration and invasion of the melanoma cells was significantly inhibited in vitro. The study authors also investigated the mechanism of miR-7-5p and found that insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) is a functional target of miR-7-5p which then decreases activity in the protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, a key regulator of many oncogenic processes including cell migration.
Dr Keith Giles and Professor Peter Leedman from the WAIMR, who led the study, explained:
“There is considerable interest in the molecular pathogenesis of malignant melanoma and a focus on finding ways to improve survival of patients with metastatic disease. Our study shows that miR-7-5p may represent a novel therapeutic approach to prevent or limit melanoma metastasis.“
Dr Stephen Thompson, Chairman of MiReven Pty Ltd, said:
“This now published study is one of several in press or already published demonstrating the utility of microRNAs in the treatment of cancer. Alongside antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, a picture is emerging where microRNAs offer a new direction for cancer therapeutic interventions. Specifically, this study shows that miR-7 acts on other pathways in cancer beyond EGFR.”
The study was published in the peer reviewed journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (Volume 430, Issue 2, Pages 706–710) and is entitled “miRNA-7-5p Inhibits Melanoma Cell Migration and Invasion” by Keith M. Giles, Rikki A.M. Brown, Michael R. Epis, Felicity C. Kalinowski and Peter J. Leedman