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Pituitary adenomas constitute one of the most common intracranial tumors and are typically benign. However, the role of the tumor suppressor microRNA-34a (miR-34a), which is implicated in other cancers, in pituitary adenoma pathogenesis remains largely unknown. miR-34a expression was compared between GH4C1 cancer cells and normal cells derived from the pituitary gland of Rattus norvegicus, and the effects of miR-34a on GH4C1 cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined. miR-34a target genes were identified and analyzed computationally. The mRNA levels of the miR-34a target genes were measured using qRT-PCR, and the protein levels of the differentially expressed targets were assessed by western blotting. miR-34a expression was significantly lower in GH4C1 cells, whereas miR-34a overexpression significantly inhibited GH4C1 cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis though SRY-box 7 (SOX7). Our data facilitate the development of a better understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of pituitary adenomas by elucidating the crucial role of miR-34a in the development of pituitary adenomas. Keywords: pituitary adenoma, microRNAs, SOX7, cell division, apoptosis