miR-203 suppresses tumor growth and angiogenesis by targeting VEGFA in cervical cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

MicroRNA (miRNA) plays important roles in the development of different cancers. In this study, we investigated the roles and mechanisms of miR-203 in human cervical cancer.

METHODS:

miR-203 expression was detected in cervical cancer tumors and cell lines by qRT-PCR. The methylation status in the promoter region of miR-203 was examined by methylation-specific PCR. The functional effect of miR-203 was determined by both in vitro and in vivo assays.

RESULTS:

miR-203 was frequently down-regulated in cervical cancer tumors and cell lines. This down-regulation of miR-203 was associated with methylation of the miR-203 promoter. Furthermore, miR-203 down-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor alpha (VEGFA) expression by directly targeting its 3'-untranslated region. Functional assays revealed that miR-203 suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth, and angiogenesis in nude mice, whereas forced expression of VEGFA rescued this inhibitory effect.

CONCLUSION:

Our collective findings indicate that miR-203 functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting VEGFA, resulting in the inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis. Thus, miR-203 may be a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker in cervical cancer.

• Authors: Xiangyu Zhu, Kejun Er, Caiying Mao, Qi Yan, Haijun Xu, Yuanbei Zhang, Jianhong Zhu, Fang Cui, Wenxia Zhao, Hong Shi
• Journal: Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology (Cell Physiol Biochem) Vol. 32 Issue 1 Pg. 64-73 ( 2013) ISSN: 1421-9778 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 23867971 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• 3' Untranslated Regions
• MIRN203 microRNA, human
• MicroRNAs
• VEGFA protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Topics

• 3' Untranslated Regions
• Animals
• Base Sequence
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Proliferation
• DNA Methylation
• Down-Regulation
• Female
• HeLa Cells
• Humans
• Mice
• Mice, Nude
• MicroRNAs (genetics, metabolism)
• Neovascularization, Pathologic
• Promoter Regions, Genetic
• Transplantation, Heterologous
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms (genetics, metabolism, pathology)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (antagonists & inhibitors, genetics, metabolism)