MicroRNA-1469, a p53-responsive microRNA promotes Genistein induced apoptosis by targeting Mcl1 in human laryngeal cancer cells.

Genistein, a plant isoflavone, is reported to have therapeutic potentials in multiple cancers, However, the molecular mechanism underlying promoting cell apoptosis in laryngeal cancer remains unclear. In this study, we report that miR-1469 was induced by genistein in laryngeal cancer. Elevated miR-1469 promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited Mcl1 expression.

[Role of dysregulation of Bim in resistance of melanoma cells to endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis].

Objective: To establish a model of ER stress-induced apoptosis with tunicamycin and to examine whether Bim is dysregulated and its potential role in resistance of melanoma cells to apoptosis under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

Methods: A model of ER stress-induced apoptosis was established with tunicamycin. Apoptotic cells were quantitated using the annexin V/propidium iodide method by flow cytometry.

MicroRNA-149*, a p53-responsive microRNA, functions as an oncogenic regulator in human melanoma.

The tumor suppressor p53 is activated in response to cellular stress to prevent malignant transformation by activation of the DNA repair machinery to preserve the cell, or by induction of apoptosis to eliminate the cell should the damage prove irrevocable. The gene encoding p53 frequently undergoes inactivating mutations in many human cancers, but WT p53 is often expressed at high levels in melanoma, which, as judged from the malignant nature of the disease, fails to act as an effective tumor suppressor. Here we show that p53 directly up-regulates microRNA-149* (miR-149*) that in turn targets glycogen synthase kinase-3α, resulting in increased expression of Mcl-1 and resistance to apoptosis in melanoma cells.