Toward a microRNA signature of endometrial cancer

A simple meta-analysis of eight microRNA (miRNA) expression surveys of endometrial cancers reveals a panel of sixteen miRNAs that are significantly over-expressed (n = 15) or under-expressed (n = 1) in at least three surveys. Examination of these miRNAs indicates that they target mRNAs involved in a number of basic cellular processes including the crucial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxia response. The central role played by these miRNAs is reinforced by the demonstration that they are all among the most ancient of all animal miRNAs. This suggests that they are members of a core set of miRNAs dysregulated as part of the carcinogenic cellular reprogramming process