Rosetta Genomics Ltd. Researchers and Collaborators Identify Potential MicroRNA Drug Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

REHOVOT, ISRAEL--(Marketwire - October 06, 2010) - Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics announces today that a peer-reviewed article entitled "hsa-miR-191 is a Candidate Oncogene Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy" appears in the online version of Cancer Research. The new study identified a potential microRNA drug target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), miR-191, that when inhibited decreased cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and significantly reduced tumor mass in vivo. The study is available at:
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2010/10/01/0008-5472.CAN-10-1313.abstract

"We are particularly excited by these results because in addition to identifying miR-191 as a potentially effective drug target, we also demonstrated the biological rationale for its potential by linking the up-regulation of miR-191 to a known liver carcinogen," noted Noga Yerushalmi, Ph.D., who is leading Rosetta Genomics' Drug Discovery Program.

HCC is the fifth most common cancer in the world, and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Standard chemotherapy usually has no beneficial outcome on HCC patients. While a new therapy was recently approved for use in HCC and was shown to extend survival by three months, there is significant need to research new therapeutic modalities and novel therapeutic targets in order to develop more effective treatments. Since microRNAs are master regulators of gene expression, their de-regulation can trigger changes that lead to the disease phenotype, and the modulation of their activity can be a key to the development of novel therapies.

"Due to their role as master regulators of gene expression, microRNAs hold significant potential as novel drug targets," commented Kenneth A. Berlin, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics. "Our microRNA drug target discovery and validation platforms have played a key role in bringing to light these interesting findings, and we look forward to further advancing this important therapeutic program."

About microRNAs
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, small RNAs that act as master regulators of protein synthesis, and have been shown to be highly effective biomarkers. The unique advantage of microRNAs as biomarkers lies in their high tissue specificity, and their exceptional stability in the most routine preservation methods for biopsies, including Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block tissue and fine needle aspirate (FNA) cell blocks. It has been suggested that their small size (19 to 21 nucleotides) enables them to remain intact in FFPE blocks, as opposed to messenger RNA (mRNA), which tends to degrade rapidly. In addition, early preclinical data has shown that by controlling the levels of specific microRNAs, cancer cell growth may be reduced. To learn more about microRNAs, please visit www.rosettagenomics.com.

About Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta Genomics is a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2000, the company's integrative research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human microRNAs. Building on its strong patent position and proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working on the application of these technologies in the development of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic tools. The company's first three microRNA-based tests, miRview™ squamous, miRview™ mets and miRview™ meso, are commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab. To learn more, please visit www.rosettagenomics.com.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta's future expectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to the role of microRNAs in human physiology and disease, and the potential of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, including the treatment of HCC constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including risks related to: Rosetta's approach to discover microRNA technology and to work on the application of this technology in the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutic tools, which may never lead to commercially accepted products or services; Rosetta's ability to obtain, maintain and protect its intellectual property; Rosetta's ability to enforce its patents against infringers and to defend its patent portfolio against challenges from third parties; Rosetta's need and ability to obtain additional funding to support its business activities; Rosetta's dependence on third parties for development, manufacture, marketing, sales, and distribution of products; Rosetta's ability to successfully develop its candidate tools, products and services; Rosetta's ability to obtain regulatory clearances or approvals that may be required for its products and services; the ability to obtain coverage and adequate payment from health insurers for the products and services comprising Rosetta's technology; competition from others using technology similar to Rosetta's and others developing products for similar uses; Rosetta's dependence on collaborators; and Rosetta's short operating history; as well as those risks more fully discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Rosetta's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Rosetta's views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Rosetta does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required by law.