miR-15 and miR-16 induce apoptosis by targeting BCL2
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common human leukemia and is characterized by predominantly nondividing malignant B cells overexpressing the antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) protein. miR-15a and miR-16-1 are deleted or down-regulated in the majority of CLLs. Here, we demonstrate that miR-15a and miR-16-1 expression is inversely correlated to Bcl2 expression in CLL and that both microRNAs negatively regulate Bcl2 at a posttranscriptional level. BCL2 repression by these microRNAs induces apoptopsis in a leukemic cell line model. Therefore, miR-15 and miR-16 are natural antisense Bcl2 interactors that could be used for therapy of Bcl2-overexpressing tumors.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- September 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.0506654102
- Bibcode:
- 2005PNAS..10213944C
- Keywords:
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- GENETICS, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES