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By Erika Nakajima, '21  Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women with more than 2 million new cases reported in 2018. While breast cancer often appears as an umbrella term for cancerous growth of breast tissue, this cancer can be divided into 21 distinct histological (differing in tissue) subtypes and at least 4 different molecular (differing in genetic mutation) subtypes, each with characteristic risk factors, response treatments, and outcomes. With this variation, it is increasingly apparent that instead of treating breast cancer as a single disease, targeted therapies, designed with specificity for each unique patient, are necessary. Many targeted therapies thus far involve small molecule drugs or antibodies that block the growth of cancer cells by interfering with functions essential for tumor proliferation. Combined with chemotherapy, these treatments have proven to be effective, but the emergence of resistant tumors presses for the development novel methods. One groundbreaking therapeutic being studied by Dr. Suresh Alahari and her lab at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine is the suppressing of tumors via microRNA intervention.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that often function as gene regulators. It has been shown that in combination with other proteins to form the RNA-induced silencing complex, miRNA has the ability to cleave and degrade messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules that code for proteins. Many researchers, including Dr. Alahari, have discovered the prominence of miRNA genes in cancer-prone cells. They have demonstrated that expression of certain miRNAs are linked to specific breast cancers and that overall levels of miRNA expression can distinguish normal and cancerous tissues. From these findings, Dr. Alahari has worked with miR-27b, an miRNA with newly discovered oncogenic properties, in hopes of halting tumor progression. The high prevalence of miR-27b in tumors results in a significant decrease in PDHX protein levels, which has profound effects on tumor proliferation. Dr. Alahari and her lab have been testing the ability of the use of miRNA intervention to suppress miR-27b as a novel breast cancer therapy. Ideally, by silencing miR-27b, PDHX levels would increase back to normal levels and suppress tumor proliferation. The appealing aspect of Dr. Alahari’s research is his creative approach to a common theme. Instead of following predecessors in his field, Dr. Alahari has found an alternative pathway to suppress tumor growth in breast tissues. Beyond treatment of breast cancer, Dr. Alahari states that “the potential clinical uses of miRNA include utilization of diagnostic testing and disease prevention as well as prognostic markers making miRNAs unique and attractive options in the effort to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality.” As more information is obtained about the pathogenesis of various types of breast cancer, there will be an increase in therapeutic approaches, further expanding the selection of specialized treatments for cancer patients. References Iorio MV et al. MicroRNA Gene Expression Deregulation in Human Breast Cancer. American Association for Cancer Research Journals [Internet]. 2005 Aug [cited 2019 Mar 6]; 65(16): 7065-7070. Available from: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/65/16/7065.full-text.pdf Science Daily. New Breast Cancer Therapeutic Target. Louisiana State University Health Services Center; 2018 Jul 18 [cited 2019 Mar 4]; Available from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180718104845.htm Masoud V, Pages G. Target Therapies in Breast Cancer: New Challenges to Fight Against Resistance. National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2017 Apr 10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385433/
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