MicroRNA found to inhibit spread of melanoma

A study has shown a microRNA being investigated by MiReven can inhibit the spread of metastatic melanoma, reinforcing its prospect as a potential anticancer agent.

MicroRNAs and other non-coding regulatory RNAs have been the focus of considerable attention for their ability to affect the behaviour of other cells.

A study led by researchers at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) has now shown that one particular miRNA, miRNA-7-5p, can inhibit the spread of melanoma.

The study found that mi7 expression is reduced in metastatic melanoma cells compared to non-metastatic primary melanoma cells.

Sensing a link to the migration of melanoma cells when they become metastatic, the researchers reintroduced mi7 into the metastatic melanoma cells in vitro and found that it inhibited migration and inhibition, effectively slowing the cancer from spreading.

They found the mechanism appears to be related to the activity of insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), which plays a role in cell growth by influencing the activity of other proteins down the protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway.

Introducing mi7 appears to downregulate this pathway, thus inhibiting the ability for the cell to grow and spread.

According to Dr Keith Giles and Professor Peter Leedman from WAIMR, who led the study, there is considerable interest in the molecular pathogenesis of malignant melanoma and a focus on finding ways to improve survival of patients with metastatic disease.

Their study shows that miR-7-5p may represent a novel therapeutic approach to prevent or limit melanoma metastasis.

This miRNA is already being investigated by Western Australia-based miReven, which was established to commercialise the research from WAIMR. The company also launched a new website today.

“This now published study is one of several in press or already published demonstrating the utility of microRNAs in the treatment of cancer,” said Dr Stephen Thompson, Chairman of MiReven.

“Alongside antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, a picture is emerging where microRNAs offer a new direction for cancer therapeutic interventions. Specifically, this study shows that miR-7 acts on other pathways in cancer beyond EGFR [epidermal growth factor receptor].”

The study was published in January in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.