microRNA‐100 functions as a tumor suppressor in non‐small cell lung cancer via regulating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and Wnt/β‐catenin by targeting HOXA1

Abstract

Background Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading subtype in lung cancer, with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. microRNA (miRNA) has appeared to play indispensable roles in a variety of solid carcinomas. The current study focused on the functions of miR‐100 in NSCLC. Methods qRT‐PCR was performed to detect miR‐100 and HOXA1 expressions in NSCLC tissues and cells. MTT and transwell assays were used to determine the functions of miR‐100 in NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration abilities. Western blot was used to measure related protein expressions. Results qRT‐PCR results showed that miR‐100 expressions were dramatically decreased in NSCLC tissues. MTT assays indicated that miR‐100 restoration inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation. Furthermore, transwell assay was performed to determine the impacts of miR‐100 on NSCLC invasion and migration abilities. As expected, the invasion and migration capacities were significantly repressed. Direct interactions between HOXA1 and miR‐100 were also verified via dual‐luciferase reporter assays. Western blot analysis demonstrated that miR‐100 exerted suppressive functions via regulating EMT and Wnt/β‐catenin in NSCLC cells. Conclusions Our results showed that miR‐100 served antitumor roles in NSCLC, providing new evidence of miR‐100 as a promising therapeutic biomarker in NSCLC.

Keywords

• Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
• HOXA1
• miR‐100
• non‐small cell lung cancer
• Wnt/β‐catenin