Micro-RNAs typically function at the level of post-transcriptional gene silencing within the cytoplasm; however increasing evidence suggests that they may also function in nuclear, Argonaut containing complexes, to directly repress target gene transcription. We have investigated the role of micro-RNAs in mediating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses. ER stress triggers the activation of three signaling molecules: Ire-1α/β, PERK and ATF6 whose function is to facilitate adaption to the ensuing stress. We demonstrate that PERK induces miR-211, which in turn attenuates stress-dependent expression of the pro-apoptotic transcription factor chop/gadd153. MiR-211 directly targets the proximal chop/gadd153 promoter where it increases histone methylation and represses chop expression. Maximal chop accumulation ultimately correlates with miR-211 down regulation. Our data suggests a model where PERK-dependent miR-211 induction prevents premature chop accumulation and thereby provides a window of opportunity for the cell to re-establish homeostasis prior to apoptotic commitment.

Summary Most deaths from breast cancer result from tumor recurrence, but the mechanisms underlying tumor relapse are largely unknown. We now report that Par-4 is down-regulated during tumor recurrence and that Par-4 down-regulation is necessary and sufficient to promote recurrence. Tumor cells with low Par-4 expression survive therapy by evading a program of Par-4-dependent multinucleation and apoptosis that is otherwise engaged following treatment. Low Par-4 expression is associated with poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and an increased risk of relapse in breast cancer patients, and Par-4 is down-regulated in residual tumor cells that survive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our findings identify Par-4-induced multinucleation as a mechanism of cell death in oncogene-addicted cells and establish Par-4 as a negative regulator of breast cancer recurrence.