Xiaolong He, PhD
University of Illinois
The role of microRNA miR-124 in ovarian cancer
Based on his previous work and recent results, Dr. Xiaolong He hypothesizes that microRNA miR-124 may function as a tumor suppressor. In this study, two specific aims are proposed to strengthen the hypothesis. Aim 1 is to examine the levels of miR-124 in human ovarian tumors and thus establish the clinical relevance of this hypothesis. Aim 2 will explore why miR-124 is reduced in ovarian cancer cell lines. Should Dr. He’s hypothesis ultimately prove correct and supported by experimental results, it will have a significant impact on our understanding of how ovarian cancer develops and likely lead to new approaches to treat this fatal disease.