MiR-563 restrains cell proliferation via targeting LIN28B in human lung cancer

Background: Previous investigations have revealed that miR-563 is associated with a number of diseases including the ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, Parkinson's disease or drug resistance to leukemia. Yet, the role of miR-563 and its molecular mechanism in the initiation and progression of cancers has not been previously explored. In this study, we aimed to provide clues to the function of miR-563 and its direct target in lung cancer.

Methods: Online informatics software was applied to predict the target genes of miR-563. MiR-563 targeting LIN28B was evaluated through the luciferase reporter gene analysis. The effect of miR-563 on LIN28B at the level of RNA and protein was detected using RT-PCR and immunoblotting. The ability of proliferation of human lung cancer A549 was examined by MTT assay. RNA interference targeting LIN28B was examined through immunoblotting. The level of miR-563 and LIN28B and their correlation were analyzed in 27 cases of lung tumor tissues by real-time PCR.

Results: Oncogenic LIN28B was identified as one of the target genes of miR-563 in lung cancer cells. MiR-563 dose-dependently decreased the LIN28B RNA level and subsequently its protein level in the cells. Cell proliferation was suppressed by ectopic miR-563 expression and was accelerated after endogenous miR-563 was knocked down by its inhibitor. However, silence in LIN28B reversed promotion of cell proliferation by the inhibition of miR-563. In lung cancer tissues, miR-563 was decreased and negative correlation of miR-563 and LIN28B was shown.

Conclusion: MiR-563 plays a tumor suppressive role in lung cancer progression via targeting oncogenic LIN28B.