A microRNA code for prostate cancer metastasis

Oncogene. 2016 Mar 3;35(9):1180-92. doi: 10.1038/onc.2015.176. Epub 2015 Jun 15.

Abstract

Although the development of bone metastasis is a major detrimental event in prostate cancer, the molecular mechanisms responsible for bone homing and destruction remain largely unknown. Here we show that loss of miR-15 and miR-16 in cooperation with increased miR-21 expression promote prostate cancer spreading and bone lesions. This combination of microRNA endows bone-metastatic potential to prostate cancer cells. Concomitant loss of miR-15/miR-16 and gain of miR-21 aberrantly activate TGF-β and Hedgehog signaling, that mediate local invasion, distant bone marrow colonization and osteolysis by prostate cancer cells. These findings establish a new molecular circuitry for prostate cancer metastasis that was validated in patients' cohorts. Our data indicate a network of biomarkers and druggable pathways to improve patient treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / biosynthesis*
  • Bone Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Hedgehog Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • MIRN15 microRNA, human
  • MIRN16 microRNA, human
  • MIRN21 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta