The role of miR-210, E2F3 and ephrin A3 in angiosarcoma cell proliferation.

BACKGROUND: Although angiosarcoma exhibits aggressive progression and is associated with unfavourable prognosis, its pathogenesis is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we investigated the possibility that microRNAs play a role in the pathogenesis of angiosarcoma.

MATERIALS & METHODS: microRNA expression was evaluated by array analysis and real-time PCR, and protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting.

RESULTS: miR-210 expression was decreased in angiosarcoma cells both in vivo and in vitro. E2F3 and ephrin A3 are putative targets of miR-210, and their protein expression was up-regulated in the tumour cells. Knockdown of E2F3 or ephrin A3 resulted in a significant decrease in the number of angiosarcoma cells.

CONCLUSION: Further investigations into the regulatory mechanisms of oncogenesis associated with miR-210/E2F3/ephrin A3 signalling may lead to a new therapeutic approach against angiosarcoma.