MiR-376c-3p regulates the proliferation, invasion, migration, cell cycle and apoptosis of human oral squamous cancer cells by suppressing HOXB7

Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Jul:91:517-525. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.04.050. Epub 2017 May 5.

Abstract

Purpose: To test the influence of miR-376c-3p on the proliferation, invasion, migration, cell cycle and apoptosis of human oral squamous cancer cells (OSCC) and the relevant mechanism.

Methods: We applied qRT-PCR and Western blot to compare the expression level of miR-376c-3p and HOXB7 in SCC-4, SCC-9, SCC-15, SCC-25 OSCC cell lines and 49 paired OSCC and normal oral epithelial tissue specimens were included in our present study. Also we analyzed the relative relationship of expression level between miR-376c-3p and HOXB7 in cancer tissues. Luciferase assay was used to confirm the target relationship between miR-376c-3p and HOXB7. Besides, MTT, Transwell, wound healing, colony formation and flow cytometer experiments were applied to evaluate the proliferation, cell viability, apoptosis, invasion and migration of transfected OSCC.

Results: MiR-376c-3p was down-regulated while HOXB7 was up-regulated in OSCC tissues and cells than the normal ones. MiR-376c-3p directly targeted HOXB7 and reduced the expression of HOXB7. Overexpression of miR-376c-3p attenuated proliferation of SCC-9, SCC-15, SCC-24 and SCC-25 cells. Moreover, miR-376c-3p suppressed proliferation, viability, migration and invasion and induced G1/G0 arrest and cell apoptosis of SCC-25 cells. Besides, overexpression of HOXB7 efficiently abrogates these influences caused by overexpression of miR-376c-3p.

Conclusion: MiR-376c-3p suppresses the fission, proliferation, migration and invasion and induces cell apoptosis of OSCC via targeting HOXB7.

Keywords: HOXB7; MiR-376c-3p; OSCC.

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • Apoptosis / genetics*
  • Base Sequence
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Cell Cycle / genetics*
  • Cell Movement / genetics*
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / genetics
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • HOXB7 protein, human
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • MIRN367 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs