Overlapping expression of microRNAs in human embryonic colon and colorectal cancer

Cell Res. 2008 Aug;18(8):823-33. doi: 10.1038/cr.2008.81.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for regulating cell differentiation and maintaining the pluripotent state of stem cells. Although dysregulation of specific miRNAs has been associated with certain types of cancer, to date no evidence has linked miRNA expression in embryonic and tumor tissues. We assessed the expression of mature miRNAs in human embryonic colon tissue, and in colorectal cancer and paired normal colon tissue. Overlapping miRNA expression was detected between embryonic colonic mucosa and colorectal cancer. We have found that the miR-17-92 cluster and its target, E2F1, exhibit a similar pattern of expression in human colon development and colonic carcinogenesis, regulating cell proliferation in both cases. In situ hybridization confirmed the high level of expression of miR-17-5p in the crypt progenitor compartment. We conclude that miRNA pathways play a major role in both embryonic development and neoplastic transformation of the colonic epithelium.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma / genetics*
  • Carcinoma / metabolism
  • Carcinoma / physiopathology
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Colon / cytology
  • Colon / embryology*
  • Colon / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • E2F1 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / cytology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / embryology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • E2F1 Transcription Factor
  • E2F1 protein, human
  • MicroRNAs