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The miR-200-Quaking axis functions in tumour angiogenesis

Oncogene volume 38, pages 6767–6769 (2019)Cite this article

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The progression of solid cancers towards a metastatic state is facilitated by tumor angiogenesis. While targeting of angiogenesis is an important therapeutic strategy, its success has been limited by an incomplete understanding of tumor endothelial cell (TEC) biology. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-200, in addition to its well-established role in suppressing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), can inhibit tumor metastasis by regulating tumor angiogenesis. By analysing clinical information, Azam et al. [1] identify Quaking (QKI) as a key target of miR-200 supporting TEC function. Nanoparticle-mediated inhibition of QKI in TECs, or palbociclib blockade of cyclin D1 (a downstream target of QKI), were sufficient to perturb metastatic progression in a lung cancer model. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting the miR-200-QKI axis to regulate tumor angiogenesis and limit metastasis.

The tumour microenvironment (TME) is composed of a milieu of cell types, which interact and contribute to tumour progression. Tumour angiogenesis plays critical roles in both the growth of cancers and their metastasis. Accordingly, therapies aimed at inhibiting angiogenesis are an area of active development. In the case of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), responses in several cancers have displayed limited durability with frequent development of resistance mechanisms accompanying their use [2]. Here, Azam et al. [1] aimed to elucidate the function of miR-200 in tumour endothelial cells (TECs), following several studies showing this microRNA (miRNA) family plays important roles in endothelial cells (ECs) and angiogenesis [3,4,5,6,7].

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Funding

This work was undertaken with the financial support of Cancer Council’s Beat Cancer Project on behalf of its donors and the State Government through the Department of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia

    Philip A. Gregory

  2. Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia

    Philip A. Gregory

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Correspondence to Philip A. Gregory.

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Gregory, P.A. The miR-200-Quaking axis functions in tumour angiogenesis. Oncogene 38, 6767–6769 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-019-0916-1

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