Publication

Host microRNA Cluster Found to Suppress Cancer-Causing Virus

September 8, 2025

🧠 Introduction

Our new study published in the Journal of Molecular Biology uncovers how a host microRNA cluster, known as miR-17-92 (oncomiR-1), defends against the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)—a virus that causes breast cancer in mice. These findings highlight the critical role of host microRNAs in regulating viral replication and tumor development.

🔍 Research Summary

MMTV has long been recognized as a causative agent of breast cancer in mice. Researchers investigated its interaction with the host miR-17-92 cluster, which is frequently dysregulated in cancers, including breast cancer.

Key findings include:

  • The miR-17-92 cluster is activated in MMTV-infected mammary glands and virus-induced tumors.
  • Overexpression of the cluster suppresses MMTV replication in mammary epithelial cells.
  • Among cluster members, miR-92a is the primary regulator, directly targeting MMTV genomic RNA to repress viral expression.
  • Blocking miR-92a restores MMTV expression, showing its essential role in antiviral defense.
  • MMTV may attempt to subvert miR-92a regulation in tumors to boost its own replication.

This is the first evidence that host miRNAs can directly regulate MMTV replication, revealing a new layer of host–virus interaction.

🌍 Broader Impact

Understanding how host microRNAs like miR-92a influence viral replication offers new insights into the biology of cancer-causing viruses. For APMAD’s cancer research theme, this study strengthens the link between viral infections, gene regulation, and tumor development. In the future, targeting microRNA–virus interactions may open new therapeutic strategies to combat virus-associated cancers and advance precision medicine approaches.

📎 Reference 

@article{Baby2024,
  title = {The Host miR-17-92 Cluster Negatively Regulates Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV) Replication Primarily Via Cluster Member miR-92a},
  volume = {436},
  ISSN = {0022-2836},
  url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168738},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168738},
  number = {20},
  journal = {Journal of Molecular Biology},
  publisher = {Elsevier BV},
  author = {Baby,  Jasmin and Gull,  Bushra and Ahmad,  Waqar and Baki,  Hala Abdul and Khader,  Thanumol Abdul and Panicker,  Neena G. and Akhlaq,  Shaima and Rizvi,  Tahir A. and Mustafa,  Farah},
  year = {2024},
  month = oct,
  pages = {168738}
}

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