Involvement of MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer

Brian D. Adams; Irene K. Guttilla; Bruce A. White

doi:10.1055/s-0028-1096132

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, Inhaltsverzeichnis

Semin Reprod Med 2008; 26(6): 522-536
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1096132

Involvement of MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer

Brian D. Adams¹ ^, ⁴ , Irene K. Guttilla² ^, ⁴ , Bruce A. White³ ^, ⁴

¹Graduate Assistant/Student, Department of Cell Biology, Farmington, Connecticut
²Graduate Assistant/Student, Department of Molecular Microbial and Structural Biology, Farmington, Connecticut
³Professor, Department of Cell Biology, Farmington, Connecticut
⁴University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut

Abstract

ABSTRACT

MicroRNAs regulate numerous aspects of normal and pathologic cellular processes, including cancer. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous form of cancer that is derived from mammary epithelial cells. This review discusses the involvement of microRNAs in the regulation of normal mammary epithelial stem cells, their differentiation into basal and luminal phenotypes, and their control of breast cancer stem cells, also referred to as tumor-initiating cells. In the second section, we summarize the findings of differential microRNA expression in normal versus breast tumor tissue and among the various subtypes of breast cancer (primarily luminal, basal-like, and HER2). In the third and fourth sections of the review, specific mRNA targets of microRNAs in breast cancer are discussed, including those encoding the estrogen receptor-α and epidermal growth factor receptor, as well as survival, tumor suppressor, and cell-cycle–related proteins. Finally, the involvement of microRNAs in the promotion and suppression of breast cancer metastasis is reviewed. The studies presented herein provide a rationale for the design of therapeutic agents that target specific microRNAs in the treatment of breast cancer. Hopefully, this review will provide an impetus for more studies on the role of microRNAs in the regulation of normal mammary gland development and function.

KEYWORDS

Breast cancer - microRNA - stem cell - hormone receptor - metastasis

Volltext

Referenzen

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Bruce A WhitePh.D.

Professor, Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center

263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030

eMail: BWhite@nso2.uchc.edu