Identification and functional validation of candidate microRNAs downstream of integrin B4 signaling during mesenchymal transition

Abstract

Mesenchymal transition is the process of trans differenciation of cells of different lineages into the mesenchymal lineage. The involvement of mesenchymal transition in both tumor cell metastatis as well as tumor angiogenesis, makes it an ideal process to be manipulated to control tumur growth. Apart from the role of different cytokines, the involvement of certain cell adhesion molecules like Integrins is also important for the orchestration of mesenchymal transition. It switches its function from structural to signaling only when the cell gets activated in response to the induction of certain processes such as migration and invasion, hence considered a promising strategy in cancer therapeutics. But to avoid adverse side effects associated with it, downstream integrin B4 molecules have been targeted for study. MicroRNAs have also been taken for the study as it also plays pivotal role in this. The results of the present study suggest many acute details with the induction of mesenchymal transition, promotion of cell migration etc. newline