CRL Researchers show how MicroRNAs protect against tumors

March 1st, 2014

Two new papers published by Cancer Research Laboratory scientists have shown how unique cellular regulators called “microRNAs” can protect against tumors. The first paper, published by the laboratory of Prof. Lin He in the journal Genes & Development, shows how a particular microRNA called miR-34 can induce the important tumor suppressor gene p53. This effect of microRNA miR-34 was shown to play an important role in inhibiting lung cancer.

The second paper, published by the laboratory of Prof. Astar Winoto in the journal Blood, shows how two different microRNAs, miR-146a and miR-146b, act as a cellular defense mechanism against lymphoma. Together these two studies provide important insights into the basic mechanisms underlying tumor development.