Identification of a tumor-suppressive human-specific microRNA within the FHIT tumor-suppressor gene.

Loss or attenuated expression of the tumor-suppressor gene FHIT is associated paradoxically with poor progression of human tumors. Fhit promotes apoptosis and regulates reactive oxygen species; however, the mechanism by which Fhit inhibits tumor growth in animals remains unclear. In this study, we used a multidisciplinary approach based on bioinformatics, small RNA library screening, human tissue analysis, and a xenograft mouse model to identify a novel member of the miR-548 family in the fourth intron of the human FHIT gene. Characterization of this human-specific microRNA illustrates the importance of this class of microRNAs in tumor suppression and may influence interpretation of Fhit action in human cancer.

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