Moffitt Cancer Center researchers find possible key to regulation of ovarian cancer stem cells

Therapeutic target could result from understanding role of microRNA miR-214

2012-09-27

(Press-News.org) Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered that the micro ribonucleic acid miR-214 plays a critical role in regulating ovarian cancer stem cell properties. This knowledge, said the researchers, could pave the way for a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

The study appears in a recent issue of the The Journal of Biological Chemistry.

According to the study's lead author, Jin Q. Cheng, Ph.D., M.D., senior member of the Molecular Oncology Department and Molecular Oncology and Drug Discovery Program at Moffitt, certain miRNAs can cause therapeutic resistance and cancer metastasis by regulating multiple gene targets. Previous work has shown that one microRNA — miR-214 — is elevated in cancer. In ovarian cancer, up-regulated miR-214 has been associated with late-stage and high-grade tumors. In past research, miR-214 has also been associated with resistance to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, but the role played by miR-214 in cancer stem cells had not been determined.

"Evidence suggests that cancer stem cells are responsible for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, chemoresistance and relapse," Cheng said. "Data are emerging to support the role of both miRNAs and transcription factor p53 in cancer stem cell regulation."

Their current study found that miR-214 regulates ovarian cancer stem cell properties by direct repression of p53, which led to induction of a stem cell transcription factor (Nanog). The researchers demonstrated that p53 mediated miR-214-induced Nanog in ovarian cancer stem cells and also induced chemoresistance.

"It is plausible that miR-214 has an important influence on stem cells through its capacity to modulate p53," explained Cheng. "Our study demonstrates direct evidence that miR-214 plays a critical role in maintaining ovarian cancer stem cells."

Given that knowledge, the researchers concluded that miR-214 is a potential therapeutic target for treating ovarian cancer.

###The research was supported in part by the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health (grant numbers CA135328 and CA114343) and the U.S. Army (W81XWH-11-1-0223).

About Moffitt Cancer Center Located in Tampa, Moffitt is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's excellence in research, its contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Since 1999, Moffitt has been listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for cancer. With more than 4,200 employees, Moffitt has an economic impact on the state of nearly $2 billion. For more information, visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the Moffitt momentum on Facebook, twitter and YouTube.

Media release by Florida Science Communications

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Glenn Prestwich at University of Utah to Speak at Modern Drug Summit Oct 24-26, 2012 in Philadelphia

2012-09-27

Glenn D. Prestwich, Presidential Professor, Director of Therapeutic Biomaterials Center, and Special Presidential Assistant for Faculty Entrepreneurism of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Utah Will Give a Plenary Keynote Presentation on "Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine: From Bench to Business" at the 8th Modern Drug Discovery & Development Summit (October 24-26, 2012 in Philadelphia, PA) Dr. Glenn Prestwich will describe the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University of Utah as well as describe a case study for commercialization of a university ...

The Red Box of Frozen Yogurt: Industry CEOs Sweating Out the Rise of Robofusion?

2012-09-27

It's the kind of socially hip development that makes CEOs sweat. The kind of thing that one person mentions, then another, then another—and before the world knows it, an entire business model goes the way of the dinosaur while a rockstar replacement arises. Red Box did it in the movie rental business. Now Robofusion is doing it in the yogurt business, albeit coyly. "That's not something we can comment on at this time," said a high-ranking Robofusion employee on the condition of anonymity. "Red Box is an amazing product. We are flattered to be compared ...

Kelsey McBride PR Signs Author Paul Gillebaard

2012-09-27

Kelsey McBride, president of Kelsey McBride PR, officially announced today that Paul Gillebaard, author of Moon Hoax, signed on for her agency's public relations services. Charlie Duke, the 10th man on the moon, recently read Moon Hoax and said "I finally got around to reading Moon Hoax. It was a fantastic read. I could hardly put it down. Some twists and turns in the plot that I didn't expect. Thoroughly enjoyed it." In Moon Hoax, China claims the moon landings never happened and they have proof. Losing worldwide prestige is not an option for the United ...

Cedar Run Horse Park Prepares for Social Event of the Season

2012-09-27

The pace is set for another great adventure at Cedar Run Horse Park. More than 100 riders are expected at the 5th Annual Cedar Run Hunter Pace, the park's season finale scheduled for Saturday, September 29, and there's still time to be part of the action, says co-ordinator Elizabeth McCowan. "We'll be accepting registrations up to and including the day of the event," said McCowan, encouraging riders and spectators alike to come out for the ride. "This is the perfect way to end another spectacular season at the park." What makes the event so special ...

The Winner of the Web.com WNB Golf Classic Played a Graphite Design Tour AD Shaft in His Second Victory in Two Weeks

2012-09-27

Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium golf shafts on the PGA TOUR, announced today that the winner of the Web.com WNB Golf Classic played a Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft in his driver. "The winner has been playing exceptionally well since turning pro earlier this summer," said Tak Yamada, President, Graphite Design, "This is his second victory in two weeks and we are pleased that he has chosen to play Graphite Design Tour AD shafts. We congratulate him on his victory." The winner came from five shots back, carding ...

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Website Offers Patients Immediate Answers To Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Option Questions

2012-09-27

Multiple Sclerosis is a devastating disorder robbing millions of their health, wellness and ability to have a fulfilling life. In addition to the millions that are stricken in the prime of their lives, children, as well as older adults are now being diagnosed with MS. Real answers for how to treat this complex disease from the traditional medical community are still lacking. MS patients often hear from the traditional medical community that drug therapy is the only real option for treatment, and have even faced hostility from medical professionals when exploring other types ...

BookWhirl.com Launches its Publishing Service with 100% Royalties

2012-09-27

Their long wait is finally over. BookWhirl.com, one of the leading frontiers of the self-publishing industry, finally launches its first line-up of publishing services. After announcing big plans for 2012, the company is now set and ready to release 20 publishing packages. "BookWhirl.com Publishing is a milestone for the company. All our publishing packages consists only the best features and to top that, we offer 100% royalties. It's what our author client deserves," announced Don Harold, Marketing Director. The entire month of September will be very hectic ...

Polymet to Exhibit at FABTECH Las Vegas 2012

2012-09-27

Polymet Corporation, an industry leader in wire manufacturing for hardfacing, welding, and thermal spraying, will exhibit at the FABTECH trade show in Las Vegas, November 12-14, 2012. FABTECH is North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, and welding event, showcasing new developments in materials and equipment. The show is expected to have over 25,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibiting companies. Polymet is consistently an exhibiting member of the FABTECH event. After recently streamlining its industrial product line, Polymet is eager to utilize the show to market ...

Cool Vendor, XMPro Announces participation at Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2012

2012-09-27

GARTNER SYMPOSIUM/ITxpo, FL., 26 September, 2012 - XMPro Inc. today announced their participation in the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2012 as a Business Process Management Marketplace sponsor. After their recent label as a Cool Vendor* for BPM in 2012, XMPro will get an opportunity to showcase their acknowledgement and display their work around Intelligent Business Operations, a much deliberated theme recently unveiled by Gartner. Following last year's urge for CIOs and senior IT executives to re-imagine, rethink and reconsider what IT means and how it can be applied to the ...

Long Island Dog Trainer at Mineola Street Fair on September 30, 2012

2012-09-27

Mineola, NY. September 25, 2012 - Michael's Pack, located at 220 East Jericho Turnpike in Mineola, has opened a brand new training facility and now has beginner, intermediate, and advanced group classes in progress in their Mineola location. There is a large amount of interest in these classes, so they have expanded to five classes already. "We will create a custom dog training package to meet every need," said Michael Schaier, the owner at Michael's Pack. "We even offer private, one-on-one training as well. I'm so confident in our classes, that I will ...

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers find possible key to regulation of ovarian cancer stem cells

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: