Regulatory action of melatonin on miR-17 and ROCK-1 in breast cancer metastatization

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasia in women and has been frequently associated to high morbidities and mortalities rates, with great financial impact on heath systems. Besides, the disease is characterized by the high rates of metastasis, which worsen significantly the prognosis. This process is associated with two regulatory molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs), specially miR-17, and ROCK-1, which overexpression has been associated to tumor growth and metastasis. In contrast, melatonin has shown oncostatic and antimetastasis properties by reducing the cell ability to migrate and invade the tissue, besides the inhibition of cell proliferation. Then, we intend to evaluate the gene expression of ROCK-1 and miR-17-5p, and the protein expression of the miR-17-5p target gene, ROCK-1 by Western blotting technique. The molecular expression of miR-17 and ROCK-1 will be verified by real time PCR. The results will determine the therapeutic value of melatonin on metastasis, contributing to compose potential therapeutic protocols for the control of this cellular event, which is a determinant prognostic factor for the breast cancer patient. (AU)