Regulatory Effects of Let-7a and miR-96 Molecules on K-RAS in Pancreatic Cancer

  Objective  To explore the effects of Let-7a and miR-96 molecules on inhibition K-RAS in pancreatic cancer.

  Methods  The levels of K-RAS mRNA and protein were detected in 9 pancreatic cancer cell lines, and the abundance of Let-7a and miR-96 in 7 of these 9 cell lines were determined to analyze the relation between the levels of Let-7a or miR-96 and K-RAS protein expression. Then, the levels of Let-7a or miR-96 was increased in PANC-1 cell line by transfection to observe K-RAS protein change.

  Results  A high level of K-RAS mRNA was observed in 9 pancreatic cancer cell lines, and K-RAS protein was also at a higher level than normal ones. But Let-7a and miR-96 maintained were at a lower level in pancreatic cancer cell lines. An increase of Let-7a or miR-96 decreased the K-RAS protein expression in PANC-1 cell line.

  Conclusion  Compared to normal condition, the levels of Let-7a and miR-96 decrease in pancreatic cancer, leading to the attenuation of inhibition to K-RAS, which contributes to pancreatic cancer formation and progression.