A microRNA signature of hypoxia

Mol Cell Biol. 2007 Mar;27(5):1859-67. doi: 10.1128/MCB.01395-06. Epub 2006 Dec 28.

Abstract

Recent research has identified critical roles for microRNAs in a large number of cellular processes, including tumorigenic transformation. While significant progress has been made towards understanding the mechanisms of gene regulation by microRNAs, much less is known about factors affecting the expression of these noncoding transcripts. Here, we demonstrate for the first time a functional link between hypoxia, a well-documented tumor microenvironment factor, and microRNA expression. Microarray-based expression profiles revealed that a specific spectrum of microRNAs (including miR-23, -24, -26, -27, -103, -107, -181, -210, and -213) is induced in response to low oxygen, at least some via a hypoxia-inducible-factor-dependent mechanism. Select members of this group (miR-26, -107, and -210) decrease proapoptotic signaling in a hypoxic environment, suggesting an impact of these transcripts on tumor formation. Interestingly, the vast majority of hypoxia-induced microRNAs are also overexpressed in a variety of human tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Hypoxia*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genes, Reporter
  • HCT116 Cells
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Luciferases / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Plasmids
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transfection

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Luciferases