A miR-192-EGR1-HOXB9 regulatory network controls the angiogenic switch in cancer

Nat Commun. 2016 Apr 4:7:11169. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11169.

Abstract

A deeper mechanistic understanding of tumour angiogenesis regulation is needed to improve current anti-angiogenic therapies. Here we present evidence from systems-based miRNA analyses of large-scale patient data sets along with in vitro and in vivo experiments that miR-192 is a key regulator of angiogenesis. The potent anti-angiogenic effect of miR-192 stems from its ability to globally downregulate angiogenic pathways in cancer cells through regulation of EGR1 and HOXB9. Low miR-192 expression in human tumours is predictive of poor clinical outcome in several cancer types. Using 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) nanoliposomes, we show that miR-192 delivery leads to inhibition of tumour angiogenesis in multiple ovarian and renal tumour models, resulting in tumour regression and growth inhibition. This anti-angiogenic and anti-tumour effect is more robust than that observed with an anti-VEGF antibody. Collectively, these data identify miR-192 as a central node in tumour angiogenesis and support the use of miR-192 in an anti-angiogenesis therapy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Down-Regulation
  • Early Growth Response Protein 1 / genetics
  • Early Growth Response Protein 1 / metabolism
  • Early Growth Response Protein 1 / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Homeodomain Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Kidney Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / therapy
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / therapy
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Tumor Burden

Substances

  • EGR1 protein, human
  • Early Growth Response Protein 1
  • HOXB9 protein, human
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • MIRN192 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • 1,2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine