Loss of miR-122 expression in liver cancer correlates with suppression of the hepatic phenotype and gain of metastatic properties.

ABSTRACT: Growing evidence indicates that microRNAs have a significant role in tumor development and may constitute robust biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, we evaluated the clinical and functional relevance of microRNA-122 (miR-122) expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report that miR-122 is specifically repressed in a subset of primary tumors that are characterized by poor prognosis. We further show that the loss of miR-122 expression in tumor cells segregates with specific gene expression profiles linked to cancer progression, namely the suppression of hepatic phenotype and the acquisition of invasive properties. We identify liver-enriched transcription factors as central regulatory molecules in the gene networks associated with loss of miR-122, and p

SUBMITTER: Coulouarn C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3492882 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature