Identification of small molecules that suppress microRNA function and reverse tumorigenesis

J Biol Chem. 2010 Aug 6;285(32):24707-16. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.062976. Epub 2010 Jun 7.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act in post-transcriptional gene silencing and are proposed to function in a wide spectrum of pathologies, including cancers and viral diseases. Currently, to our knowledge, no detailed mechanistic characterization of small molecules that interrupt miRNA pathways have been reported. In screening a small chemical library, we identified compounds that suppress RNA interference activity in cultured cells. Two compounds were characterized; one impaired Dicer activity while the other blocked small RNA-loading into an Argonaute 2 (AGO2) complex. We developed a cell-based model of miRNA-dependent tumorigenesis, and using this model, we observed that treatment of cells with either of the two compounds effectively neutralized tumor growth. These findings indicate that miRNA pathway-suppressing small molecules could potentially reverse tumorigenesis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Gene Silencing
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Phenotype
  • RNA Interference

Substances

  • MicroRNAs