miRNA gain- and loss-of-function can potently influence cellular behavior in normal physiologic states and in diseases such as cancer. The regulation of miRNA expression and activity by cellular signaling cascades can therefore result in dramatic phenotypic outputs. We previously demonstrated extensive control of miRNA expression by well-characterized oncogenic and tumor suppressor networks including the Myc, Kras, and p53 pathways. We are now employing novel mouse models with gain and loss of miRNA function to investigate the roles of the miRNAs embedded within these signaling pathways and the pathologic consequences when their functions are disrupted. Insights gained from these functional studies have led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and other pathologic states based on miRNA delivery. I will present our latest findings related to miRNA regulation in cancer and exploitation of these findings for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Citation Format: Joshua T. Mendell. MicroRNA reprogramming in cancer: mechanisms and consequences [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA15.

©2012 American Association for Cancer Research.
2012