MicroRNAs -20a, -20b, -194, -301b and follicular lymphoma

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 — Poster Session II
Noon – 2:00 p.m.	Natcher Conference Center	CC	SIG/RNA/CYTOK-2

Authors

• M Corrigan-Cummins
• W Wang
• K Calvo

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRs) are 22 nucleotide-long RNA sequences that serve as post-transcriptional regulators. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression through degrading mRNA or repression of mRNA translation. Dysregulation of miR expression has been linked to neoplasia. Follicular Lymphoma (FL), the second most prevalent form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, is characterized by the t(14;18); however, the t(14;18) and deregulation of BCL2 are not sufficient for the development of FL. We explored the potential role of microRNA in FL. MicroRNA and gene expression profiling results showed expression of CDKN1A/p21 and MAPK1 were upregulated, whereas expression of SOCS2 was downregulated in FL; conversely, expression of miRs- 20a, -20b, and -194 was increased and miR-301b decreased. TargetScan analysis predicted a functional relationship between these genes and miRs which we further explored in the FL-derived cell line OCI-Ly8. Based on results from transient transfection and quantitative Real-Time PCR, it was demonstrated that miRs-20a and -20b potentially regulate the expression of CDKN1A/p21 ; miR-301b potentially regulates MAPK1 expression; and miR-194 potentially regulates SOCS2. Additionally, cell proliferation assays showed that miRs-20a, -20b, and -194 contribute to cell proliferation, while miR-301b has anti-proliferative effects. These findings suggest aberrant expression of miRs plays a role in the biology of FL.

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