MicroRNA, hsa-miR-200c, is an independent prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer and its upregulation inhibits pancreatic cancer invasion but increases cell proliferation

Mol Cancer. 2010 Jun 28:9:169. doi: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-169.

Abstract

Background: Recently, the microRNA-200 family was reported to affect cancer biology by regulating epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Especially, the expression of miR-200c has been shown to be associated with upregulating the expression of E-cadherin, a gene known to be involved in pancreatic cancer behavior. However, the significance of miR-200c in pancreatic cancer is unknown.

Methods: In the present study, we investigated the relationship between E-cadherin and miR-200c expression in a panel of 14 pancreatic cancer cell lines and in macro-dissected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples obtained from 99 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. We also investigated the effects of miR-200c on the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells.

Results: We found that patients with high levels of miR-200c expression had significantly better survival rates than those with low levels of miR-200c expression. We also found a remarkably strong correlation between the levels of miR-200c and E-cadherin expression.

Conclusions: These data indicate that miR-200c may play a role in the pancreatic cancer biology and may be a novel marker for the prognosis of pancreatic cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cadherins / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Prognosis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Survival Analysis
  • Up-Regulation*

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • MIRN200 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger