Genetic dissection of the miR-17∼92 cluster of microRNAs in Myc-induced B-cell lymphomas

The miR-17 similar to 92 cluster is frequently amplified or over-expressed in human cancers and has emerged as the prototypical oncogenic polycistron microRNA (miRNA). miR-17 similar to 92 is a direct transcriptional target of c-Myc, and experiments in a mouse model of B-cell lymphomas have shown cooperation between these two oncogenes. However, both the molecular mechanism underlying this cooperation and the individual miRNAs that are responsible for it are unknown. By using a conditional knockout allele of miR-17 similar to 92, we show here that sustained expression of endogenous miR-17 similar to 92 is required to suppress apoptosis in Myc-driven B-cell lymphomas. Furthermore, we show that among the six miRNAs that are encoded by miR-17 similar to 92, miR-19a and miR-19b are absolutely required and largely sufficient to recapitulate the oncogenic properties of the entire cluster. Finally, by combining computational target prediction, gene expression profiling, and an in vitro screening strategy, we identify a subset of miR-19 targets that mediate its pro-survival activity.