2010 UALC
Sarah Freemantle, PhD
Dartmouth College
Research Project:
Therapeutic Targeting of Oncogenic MicroRNA-31 in Lung Cancer
Summary:
MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that can control expression of almost one-third of all known genes. Dr. Freemantle and colleagues have shown that increased expression of one of these microRNAs, miRNA-31, is associated with lung cancer. Using a novel technology, Dr. Freemantle aims to target miRNA-31, thereby allowing the downstream tumor suppressors to prevent tumor growth. These studies will help validate this new technology and determine if it has therapeutic potential for lung cancer.
More Content:
Interim Report
Dr. Freemantle and her team have promising data showing miRNA-31 is a potential therapeutic target for lung cancers and the novel therapeutic is showing some benefit. Identification of additional genes specifically regulated by miRNA-31 and potentially involved in the anti-proliferative effects of these new compounds is ongoing. Dr. Freemantle is now validating potential target genes using PCR-based gene expression analysis.
Notable Accomplishments
Dr. Freemantle has published her work in the journal Translational Research. Additionally, Dr. Freemantle and her collaborators have received a patent for work relating to this proposal: MicroRNA biomarkers for human breast and lung cancer.