microRNA (miRNA) are a recently uncovered class of regulatory RNAs which help to regulate gene expression, and control cell function. Over 2,000 human miRNAs have been discovered. Many miRNAs have tumor suppressor or oncogenic functions, and miRNA dysregulation has been shown to play a key role oncogenesis, metastasis, and even chemoresistance. Although much has been learned about miRNA biology, as the number of new miRNA genes have been discovered it has become increasingly challenging to annotate relevant miRNA regulatory networks. A critical limitation has been the lack of high-throughput, biological approaches for genome-wide analysis of miRNA behavior. In this R33 proposal, we will develop and validate a new technology and methodology that can be used to: (1) Measure the activity of each and every miRNA within a cell, at single cell resolution, and (2) Identify optimal synthetic miRNA binding sites that can be used to improve the targeting of suicide vectors and oncolytic viruses being developed for cancer therapies. Our technology will have major utility for expanding our understanding of cancer biology, for generating tools to study and even track specific cancer cell subsets, such as cancer stem cells, for screening for miRNA modulating drugs, and for developing novel therapies that better target tumor cells for destruction.

Public Health Relevance

In this proposal, we will expand the development and validation of a new technology and methodology that can be used to: (i) measure the activity of each and every miRNA within a cell, and (ii) generate therapeutic vectors with cell type specificity. Our technology has major applications for expanding our understanding of cancer biology, for generating tools to study and track specific cancer cell subsets, for screening for miRNA modulating drugs, and for developing novel therapies that better target tumor cells for destruction.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants Phase II (R33)
Project #
1R33CA182377-01
Application #
8625040
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-RTRB-E (O1))
Program Officer
Li, Jerry
Project Start
2013-09-23
Project End
2016-08-31
Budget Start
2013-09-23
Budget End
2014-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$339,936
Indirect Cost
$136,661
Name
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
078861598
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10029
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