A Headline in the June 12, 2009, Issue of Science

question 52

Essay

A headline in the June 12, 2009, issue of Science Daily proclaimed that "MicroRNA Replacement Therapy May Stop Cancer in Its Tracks." The article described a study in which a virus was used to deliver a microRNA gene to cancerous and noncancerous liver cells in mice. Aggressive liver tumors were stopped in their tracks in 8 out of 10 treated mice. Explain how delivery of a gene encoding microRNA might be able to reduce the growth of cancer cells.

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Definitions:

Renal Artery

A blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the kidneys.

Suprarenal Artery

Blood vessels that supply blood to the adrenal glands located above the kidneys.

Femoral Artery

A major artery in the thigh that supplies oxygenated blood to the lower part of the body.

Celiac Trunk

A major artery that supplies blood to the stomach, spleen, liver, and other parts of the abdomen.