Targeting KRas-dependent tumour growth, circulating tumour cells and metastasis in vivo by clinically significant miR-193a-3p

Oncogene. 2017 Mar;36(10):1339-1350. doi: 10.1038/onc.2016.308. Epub 2016 Sep 26.

Abstract

KRas is mutated in a significant number of human cancers and so there is an urgent therapeutic need to target KRas signalling. To target KRas in lung cancers we used a systems approach of integrating a genome-wide miRNA screen with patient-derived phospho-proteomic signatures of the KRas downstream pathway, and identified miR-193a-3p, which directly targets KRas. Unique aspects of miR-193a-3p biology include two functionally independent target sites in the KRas 3'UTR and clinically significant correlation between miR-193a-3p and KRas expression in patients. Rescue experiments with mutated KRas 3'UTR showed very significantly that the anti-tumour effect of miR-193a-3p is via specific direct targeting of KRas and not due to other targets. Ex vivo and in vivo studies utilizing nanoliposome packaged miR-193a-3p demonstrated significant inhibition of tumour growth, circulating tumour cell viability and decreased metastasis. These studies show the broader applicability of using miR-193a-3p as a therapeutic agent to target KRas-mutant cancer.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Databases, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / metabolism*
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics*
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • KRAS protein, human
  • MIRN193 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)