Expression of angiogenesis regulatory proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition factors in platelets of the breast cancer patients.

Platelets play a role in tumor angiogenesis and growth and are the main transporters of several angiogenesis regulators. Here, we aimed to determine the levels of angiogenesis regulators and epithelial-mesenchymal transition factors sequestered by circulating platelets in breast cancer patients and age-matched healthy controls. Platelet pellets (PP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were collected by routine protocols.

MicroRNA-34b functions as a tumor suppressor and acts as a nodal point in the feedback loop with Met.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as a class of naturally occurring small non-coding RNAs, play profound and pervasive roles in cancer initiation and progression. Extensive decrease in miRNA levels are frequently observed in human cancers, indicating that miRNAs may function intrinsically in tumor suppression. However, the underlying mechanisms of miRNA interactions with cellular pathways are still unclear.