University of Houston System

Baylor College of Medicine

Preethi Gunaratne

Matthew L Anderson

Claire Mach

Jason M Shohet

Ashley L Benham

The present invention concerns methods and compositions regarding one or more microRNAs or variants thereof that are provided to an individual for a variety of medical treatments, including sensitization to cancer therapy or prevention of a cancer to become sensitized to a cancer therapy. In specific embodiments, the microRNAs include miR-520a (including at least miR-520a-3p and miR-520-5p), miR-520g, miR-520h, and functional variants thereof. In some embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer, and in particular embodiments, the cancer therapy is platinum-based chemotherapy.

miR-520 microRNAs sensitize cancers to platinum-based therapy

The present invention provides a method of improving a therapeutic response to a cancer treatment, in a subject, the method comprising administering an effective amount of an agent that enhances the expression of microRNA-130 or an agent that mimics the effects of microRNA-130. Further provided is a method of treating a cancer in a subject in need of such treatment comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a microRNA-130 or an agent that enhances the expression of microRNA-130.

MicroRNA-130a,b as a tumor suppressor and sensitizing agent for chemotherapy

The present invention provides a method of improving a therapeutic response to a cancer treatment, in a subject, the method comprising administering an effective amount of an agent that enhances the expression of microRNA-140-5p or an agent that mimics the effects of microRNA-140-5p. Further provided is a method of treating a cancer in a subject in need of such treatment comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a microRNA-140-5p or an agent that enhances the expression of microRNA-140-5p.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Preethi Gunaratne