Decreased expression of microRNA-29 family in leiomyoma contributes to increased major fibrillar collagen production

The microRNA-29 family is down-regulated in leiomyoma versus myometrium. This down-regulation leads to collagen overexpression in leiomyoma and can be reversed by overexpressing microRNA-29 in leiomyoma cells.

Go to the profile of Fertility and Sterility
Fertility and Sterility
Editorial Office, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Published
Like Comment

Volume 106, Issue 3, Pages 766-772

Authors:

Erica E. Marsh, M.D., M.S.C.I., Marissa L. Steinberg, M.D., J. Brandon Parker, Ph.D., Ju Wu, M.D., Debabrata Chakravarti, Ph.D., Serdar E. Bulun, M.D.

Abstract:

Objective

To determine the expression and function of the microRNA-29 family (miRNA-29a, miRNA-29b, miRNA-29c) in human leiomyoma and myometrium.

Design

Basic science experimental design.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Patient(s)

Women undergoing surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Intervention(s)

Overexpression and knockdown of miRNA-29a, miRNA-29b, and miRNA-29c in primary leiomyoma and myometrial cells.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

[1] Expression of the miRNA-29 family members in vivo in leiomyoma versus myometrium; [2] Major fibrillar collagen (I, II, III) expression in leiomyoma and myometrial cells with manipulation of miRNA-29 species.

Result(s)

Members of the miRNA-29 family (29a, 29b, 29c) are all down-regulated in leiomyoma versus myometrium in vivo. The expression of the miRNA-29 family can be successfully modulated in primary leiomyoma and myometrial cells. Overexpression of the miRNA-29 family in leiomyoma cells results in down-regulation of the major fibrillar collagens. Down-regulation of the miRNA-29 species in myometrium results in an increase in collagen type III deposition.

Conclusion(s)

The miRNA-29 family is consistently down-regulated in leiomyoma compared to matched myometrial tissue. This down-regulation contributes to the increased collagen seen in leiomyomas versus myometrium. When miRNA-29 members are overexpressed in leiomyoma cells, protein levels of all of the major fibrillar collagens decrease. The miRNA-29 members are potential therapeutic targets in this highly prevalent condition.


Read the full text here.

Go to the profile of Fertility and Sterility

Fertility and Sterility

Editorial Office, American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Fertility and Sterility® is an international journal for obstetricians, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, basic scientists and others who treat and investigate problems of infertility and human reproductive disorders. The journal publishes juried original scientific articles in clinical and laboratory research relevant to reproductive endocrinology, urology, andrology, physiology, immunology, genetics, contraception, and menopause. Fertility and Sterility® encourages and supports meaningful basic and clinical research, and facilitates and promotes excellence in professional education, in the field of reproductive medicine.