RESUMEN
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small noncoding RNAs that are critical regulators of gene function. In the recent years, miRNAs have been increasingly noted for their capacity to regulate key malignant properties of tumor cells. MicroRNA-128 (miR-128) is a brain-enriched miRNA that is normally involved in the development of the nervous system and in the maintenance of neural physiological functions. In tumorcells, miR-128 expression is dysregulated through a variety of genetic and epigenetic events. Dysregulation: of miR-128 has profound effects on tumorigenesis and maintenance of tumor cells through alterations in cellular proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and apoptosis. This article will review the latest advances in our understanding of miR-128, specifically in the context of clinical and fundamental cancer biology. Further characterization of miR-128 will likely identify its new roles in cancer biology. The use of miR-128 as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic tool may result in improvements in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of numerous cancers.
Asunto(s)
Proliferación Celular/genética , Transformación Celular Neoplásica/genética , MicroARNs/genética , Neoplasias/genética , Apoptosis/genética , Diferenciación Celular/genética , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Humanos , MicroARNs/biosíntesis , Neoplasias/etiología , Neoplasias/patologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The signalling molecule protein kinase B (Akt) modulates many cellular processes. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathways play important roles in tumour angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) in angiogenesis and its correlation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A in gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Tumour tissue and matched healthy gastric mucosa were obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection of gastric adenocarcinoma. Akt and pAkt were detected via Western blotting. VEGF-A, pAkt and CD34 were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Akt and pAkt protein levels were significantly higher in gastric cancer tissue than in normal tissue (n = 48 patients). Positive VEGF-A immunostaining was significantly associated with pAkt immunostaining. Microvessel density was correlated with both VEGF-A and pAkt positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Phosphorylated Akt and VEGF-A are involved in angiogenesis of gastric adenocarcinoma, and Akt activation may contribute to angiogenesis via VEGF-A upregulation. The PI3K/Akt/VEGF signalling pathway may be involved in gastric adeno carcinoma.