Targeting microrna for cancer treatment

Abstract

This invention is directed to, inter alia, compositions and methods for restoring normal microRNA (miR) expression in chondrosarcoma cells as well as methods for treating and diagnosing chondrosarcoma in individuals in need thereof.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
 (a) one or more inhibitors of a microRNA (miR), wherein one of the inhibitors is miR-34a, in an amount effective to inhibit growth of human chondrosarcoma cells; and   (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.   
     
     
         38 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
 (a) a nucleic acid encoding one or more microRNA (miR), wherein one of the nucleic acids is miR-34a, and   (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.   
     
     
         39 - 51 . (canceled) 
     
     
         52 . The composition of  claim 37  or  claim 38 , wherein the composition further comprises miR-181a. 
     
     
         53 . The composition of  claim 37  or  claim 38 , wherein the composition further comprises a chemotherapeutic. 
     
     
         54 . The composition of  claim 37  or  claim 38 , wherein the composition further comprises the chemotherapeutic AMD3100. 
     
     
         55 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the one or more inhibitors of a microRNA (miR) is further in an amount effective to decrease expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), synovial sarcoma X-1 (SSX1), and tyrosine-protein kinase Met (Met), 
     
     
         56 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the one or more inhibitors of a microRNA (miR) is further in an amount effective to decrease chondrosarcoma cellular proliferation, invasion, or metastasis. 
     
     
         57 . The composition of  claim 37  or  claim 38 , wherein the composition is situated in a nanopiece comprising a length of about 100 nm and width/diameter of about 20 nm.