The University of Westminster has released a new study showing that taking out small chunks of human DNA called microRNA can reverse the spread of triple negative breast cancer cells.
The study also suggested that microRNAs could be targeted to spot and treat triple negative breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and triple negative breast cancer makes up 10-20% of cases.
MicroRNAs (miRs) have important roles in cellular functioning and signalling, and are heavily involved in the growth and metastasis of cancers. The researchers found that miR-21, a major breast cancer-related RNA, is increased in triple negative breast cancer and is also associated with metastasis.
Using CRISPR/Cas9, the researchers knocked out miR-21 from the cancer cells, and discovered that the cancer cells’ metastatic properties were reversed. They also observed that they released smaller vesicles, which release lipid blobs that play an important part in cancer spread. There was also less miR-21 carried in the vesicles, which also carry disease-related molecules to other cells.
Lead researcher Dr Pinar Uysal-Onganer of the University of Westminster, said: “This is an important study which contributes to better understanding of roles of miRs in aggressive cancer types such as triple negative breast cancer. We are now aiming to clarify the relationships between miR-21 and cancer drug resistance, which is another important factor that limits cancer cure.”
Source: Medical Xpress
Journal information: Elif Damla Arisan et al. MiR-21 is Required for the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021). DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041557
