Methods to regulate miRNA processing by targeting Lin-28
AssigneeChildren's Medical Center Corporation
InventorsRichard I Gregory, George Q Daley, Srinivas R Viswanathan
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to methods to regulate microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, in particular the regulation of the processing of pri-miRNA to mature miRNA by Lin-28 and/or variants such as Lin28B. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and compositions comprising at least one agent which inhibits Lin-28 function or activity and/or expression to increase the processing of pri-mRNA to mature miRNA. More specifically, one aspect of the invention is directed to treating and/or preventing cancer in a subject by administering an agent that inhibits Lin-28 activity or expression to a subject, preferably a human subject.
Claims21
A method for promoting miRNA processing of pri-miRNA to mature miRNA in a cancer cell expressing an increased expression level of Lin-28 or Lin-28B as compared to a reference level, the method comprising contacting the cell with at least one agent which inhibits gene expression of Lin-28 polypeptide, wherein the mature miRNA is a tumor suppressor miRNA.
A method of treating a cancer in a subject, comprising administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of at least one agent that inhibits the gene expression of Lin-28, wherein the cancer has an increased expression of Lin-28 or Lin-28B as compared to a reference level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.