miR-18a Impairs DNA Damage Response through Downregulation of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) Kinase
2011

miR-18a Impairs DNA Damage Response in Breast Cancer

Sample size: 19 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Song Libing, Lin Chuyong, Wu Zhiqiang, Gong Hui, Zeng Yong, Wu Jueheng, Li Mengfeng, Li Jun

Primary Institution: Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

Hypothesis

miR-18a downregulates ATM expression and affects DNA damage response in breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

The study found that miR-18a reduces the DNA damage repair ability and increases radiosensitivity in breast cancer cells by downregulating ATM expression.

Supporting Evidence

  • miR-18a was significantly overexpressed in breast cancer cell lines and tissues compared to normal cells.
  • Overexpression of miR-18a reduced ATM expression and impaired DNA damage repair.
  • Inhibition of miR-18a increased ATM expression and reduced sensitivity to radiation.

Takeaway

This study shows that a tiny molecule called miR-18a can make breast cancer cells less able to fix their damaged DNA, which might help doctors find new ways to treat cancer.

Methodology

The study used real-time PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and clonogenic assays to analyze the effects of miR-18a on ATM expression and DNA damage response.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on breast cancer cell lines and may not fully represent the complexity of in vivo conditions.

Participant Demographics

The study included 19 breast cancer samples from patients diagnosed at Sun Yat-sen University.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025454

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