MiR-34a Targeting of Notch Ligand Delta-Like 1 Impairs CD15+/CD133+ Tumor-Propagating Cells and Supports Neural Differentiation in Medulloblastoma
2011

miR-34a Targets Dll1 to Enhance Differentiation in Medulloblastoma

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): de Antonellis Pasqualino, Medaglia Chiara, Cusanelli Emilio, Andolfo Immacolata, Liguori Lucia, De Vita Gennaro, Carotenuto Marianeve, Bello Annamaria, Formiggini Fabio, Galeone Aldo, De Rosa Giuseppe, Virgilio Antonella, Scognamiglio Immacolata, Sciro Manuela, Basso Giuseppe, Schulte Johannes H., Cinalli Giuseppe, Iolascon Achille, Zollo Massimo

Primary Institution: Centro di Ingegneria Genetica e Biotecnologia Avanzate (CEINGE), Naples, Italy

Hypothesis

Can miRNAs targeting the Notch pathway regulate tumor-propagating cells in medulloblastoma?

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that miR-34a can target Dll1, impair tumor-propagating cells, and support neural differentiation in medulloblastoma.

Supporting Evidence

  • miR-34a was shown to down-regulate Dll1 expression in medulloblastoma cells.
  • Overexpression of miR-34a led to reduced tumor growth in xenograft models.
  • miR-34a expression was associated with increased apoptosis in tumor cells.
  • The study identified a significant reduction in CD15+ and CD133+ tumor-propagating cells following miR-34a treatment.

Takeaway

This study shows that a tiny molecule called miR-34a can help brain cancer cells become more like normal brain cells and stop growing.

Methodology

The study used in vitro and in vivo models to assess the effects of miR-34a on Dll1 expression and its impact on tumor growth and differentiation.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on cell lines and animal models, which may not fully replicate human medulloblastoma behavior.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024584

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