Role of miR-539-5p on the regulation of key genes for tumor progression in thyroid cancer cell lines

• Grant number: 25/12908-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Murilo Vieira Geraldo
• Grantee: Júlia Porto Nogueira da Gama
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules, have been associated with the progression and development of various tumors due to their role as potent post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Previous studies by our group have demonstrated decreased expression of miRNAs originating from the DLK1-DIO3 region in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) samples. Computational analyses indicate that miRNAs from this region, including miR-539-5p, play a role in processes such as cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, acting as promising tumor suppressors. Objective: Therefore, this study aims to develop an overexpression model of miR-539-5p in thyroid tumor cell lines to evaluate the influence of this miRNA on targets involved in tumor progression through the aforementioned processes. Methods: We will construct the overexpression model using a plasmid, by amplifying the genomic sequence of miR-539-5p with specific oligonucleotides containing restriction enzyme sites and cloning into a pMSCV plasmid previously digested with the same enzymes. The construct will be transformed into competent bacteria via heat shock, followed by plasmid DNA extraction. Finally, the constructed plasmid (pMSCV-539) will be transfected into thyroid tumor cell lines, which will be selected with antibiotics and expanded for analysis of the influence of this miRNA on the expression of bioinformatically identified targets. (AU)