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Molecular Cancer
Published in: Molecular Cancer 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research

MicroRNAs involvement in fludarabine refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Authors: Manuela Ferracin, Barbara Zagatti, Lara Rizzotto, Francesco Cavazzini, Angelo Veronese, Maria Ciccone, Elena Saccenti, Laura Lupini, Andrea Grilli, Cristiano De Angeli, Massimo Negrini, Antonio Cuneo

Published in: Molecular Cancer | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Fludarabine, is one of the most active single agents in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Over time, however, virtually all CLL patients become fludarabine-refractory. To elucidate whether microRNAs are involved in the development of fludarabine resistance, we analyzed the expression of 723 human miRNAs before and 5-days after fludarabine mono-therapy in 17 CLL patients which were classified as responder or refractory to fludarabine treatment based on NCI criteria.

Results

By comparing the expression profiles of these two groups of patients, we identified a microRNA signature able to distinguish refractory from sensitive CLLs. The expression of some microRNAs was also able to predict fludarabine resistance of 12 independent CLL patients. Among the identified microRNAs, miR-148a, miR-222 and miR-21 exhibited a significantly higher expression in non-responder patients either before and after fludarabine treatment. After performing messenger RNA expression profile of the same patients, the activation of p53-responsive genes was detected in fludarabine responsive cases only, therefore suggesting a possible mechanism linked to microRNA deregulation in non-responder patients. Importantly, inhibition of miR-21 and miR-222 by anti-miRNA oligonucleotides induced a significant increase in caspase activity in fludarabine-treated p53-mutant MEG-01 cells, suggesting that miR-21 and miR-222 up-regulation may be involved in the establishment of fludarabine resistance.

Conclusions

This is the first report that reveals the existence of a microRNA profile that differentiate refractory and sensitive CLLs, either before and after fludarabine mono-therapy. A p53 dysfunctional pathway emerged in refractory CLLs and could contribute in explaining the observed miRNA profile. Moreover, this work indicates that specific microRNAs can be used to predict fludarabine resistance and may potentially be used as therapeutic targets, therefore establishing an important starting point for future studies.
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Metadata
Title
MicroRNAs involvement in fludarabine refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors
Manuela Ferracin
Barbara Zagatti
Lara Rizzotto
Francesco Cavazzini
Angelo Veronese
Maria Ciccone
Elena Saccenti
Laura Lupini
Andrea Grilli
Cristiano De Angeli
Massimo Negrini
Antonio Cuneo
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Molecular Cancer / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1476-4598
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-4598-9-123

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