Methods and compositions for inhibiting tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of an anti-miR-494 nucleic acid construct sufficient to target one or more tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are described. Activation of the ERK1/2 pathway is a major determinant of diverse cellular processes and cancer development and is responsible for the transcription of several important miRNAs. Described herein is a link between the ERK1/2 pathway and BIM expression through miR-494. This ERK1/2 pathway regulates apoptosis and cell proliferation through miR-494 and mechanisms responsible for TRAIL resistance. Materials and methods related to the study and treatment of cancer are described.
