microRNA and Cancer

Serendipity Points to New Potential Target and Therapy for Melanoma

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study in  Journal of Investigative Dermatology describes a new target and potential treatment for melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. MicroRNA can decide which genes in a cell's DNA are expressed and which stay silent. Melanoma tends to lack microRNA-26a, which makes the gene SODD go silent.

Key Role of microRNAs in Melanoma Metastasis Identified

 Researchers at the NYU Cancer Institute, an NCI-designated cancer center at NYU Langone Medical Center, identified for the first time the key role specific microRNAs (miRNAs) play in melanoma metastasis to simultaneously cause cancer cells to invade and immunosuppress the human body's ability to fight abnormal cells.

Basic Mechanism Of Skin Cancer Development Illuminated

Manuela Baccarini, Professor for Cell Signalling at the Centre of Molecular Biology of the University of Vienna (Max F. Perutz Laboratories) and colleagues reveal the function of a protein in the Ras signalling pathway. Their findings provide the basis for research on novel therapeutic strategies in Ras-induced skin cancers, e.g. melanoma. The results of her work are published in the scientific journal Cancer Cell.


 

microRNA and gene expression

Enhancer RNAs alter gene expression: New class of molecules may be key emerging 'enhancer therapy'

In a pair of distinct but complementary papers, researchers illuminate the functional importance of a relatively new class of RNA molecules. The work suggests modulation of “enhancer-directed RNAs” or “eRNAs” could provide a new way to alter gene expression in living cells, perhaps affecting the development or pathology of many diseases.

University of California, San Diego Health Sciences (2013, June 4). Enhancer RNAs alter gene expression: New class of molecules may be key emerging 'enhancer therapy'. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 11, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2013/06/130604093852.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_environment+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Environment%29