2010 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

Identification of microRNA which regulates peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer

Research Project

Project/Area Number	21791555
Research Category	Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
Allocation Type	Single-year Grants
Research Field	Obstetrics and gynecology
Research Institution	Osaka University
Principal Investigator	SAWADA Kenjiro Osaka University, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (00452392)
Project Period (FY)	2009 – 2010
Keywords	マイクロRNA / 腹膜播種 / 卵巣癌 / インテグリン
Research Abstract	Ovarian cancer is a highly metastatic characterized by widespread peritoneal dissemination and ascites, and is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancy. We have previously identified integrinα5 as a new target in ovarian cancer treatment by inhibiting peritoneal dissemination. Our aim is to identify new microRNA which regulates the expression of integrinα5 and analyze the therapeutic potential of targeting of its microRNA. Based on the microRNA algorism search, we identified hsa-mir-92a as a candidate. Hsa-mir-92a is little expressed in ovarian cancer cells which express high level of integrinα5, whereas hsa-mir-92a is highly expressed in RMUG-S cells which do not express integrinα5. Transfection of precursor mir-92a reduced integrinα5 expression in ovarian cancer cells, accompanied by the inhibition of cell adhesion and invasion. Those results suggested targeting hsa-mir-92a could be a promising therapy for a subset of ovarian cancer patients by inhibiting integrin α5 expression.