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news.Regulus Therapeutics has reported that a new study performed in collaboration with Duke University showed that a virally derived microRNA mimics the gene expression control by an endogenous host microRNA that has previously been implicated in human cancer.
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The data showed that a viral microRNA (miR-K12-11), which is encoded by KSHV, functions as a mimic of the host cell microRNA known as miR-155. Also, expression of physiological levels of miR-K12-11 or miR-155 was found to result in the down-regulation of an extensive set of common mRNA and protein targets, including genes with known roles in cell growth regulation.
Evidence from the study suggests that the viral microRNA, which is encoded by the Kaposi’s Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus, (KSHV), may represent the first example of a viral microRNA oncogene, termed an ‘oncomir’.
Kleanthis Xanthopoulos, president and CEO of Regulus, said: “We are very excited by these new data which suggest a key regulatory role of viral microRNAs in certain cancers that could lead to the application of microRNA therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia.”