A MicroRNA targeting dicer for metastasis control

Graziano Martello, Antonio Rosato, Francesco Ferrari, Andrea Manfrin, Michelangelo Cordenonsi, Sirio Dupont, Elena Enzo, Vincenza Guzzardo, Maria Rondina, Thomas Spruce, Anna R Parenti, Maria Grazia Daidone, Silvio Bicciato, Stefano Piccolo, Graziano Martello, Antonio Rosato, Francesco Ferrari, Andrea Manfrin, Michelangelo Cordenonsi, Sirio Dupont, Elena Enzo, Vincenza Guzzardo, Maria Rondina, Thomas Spruce, Anna R Parenti, Maria Grazia Daidone, Silvio Bicciato, Stefano Piccolo

Abstract

Although specific microRNAs (miRNAs) can be upregulated in cancer, global miRNA downregulation is a common trait of human malignancies. The mechanisms of this phenomenon and the advantages it affords remain poorly understood. Here we identify a microRNA family, miR-103/107, that attenuates miRNA biosynthesis by targeting Dicer, a key component of the miRNA processing machinery. In human breast cancer, high levels of miR-103/107 are associated with metastasis and poor outcome. Functionally, miR-103/107 confer migratory capacities in vitro and empower metastatic dissemination of otherwise nonaggressive cells in vivo. Inhibition of miR-103/107 opposes migration and metastasis of malignant cells. At the cellular level, a key event fostered by miR-103/107 is induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), attained by downregulating miR-200 levels. These findings suggest a new pathway by which Dicer inhibition drifts epithelial cancer toward a less-differentiated, mesenchymal fate to foster metastasis.

Source: PubMed

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