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TGF-β1 alters microRNA profile in human gastric cancer cells

Haiyan Zhou1, Kuansong Wang, Zhongliang Hu

  • 1Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.

Chinese Journal of Cancer Research = Chung-Kuo Yen Cheng Yen Chiu
|February 2, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) alters microRNA (miRNA) profiles in gastric cancer cells. Down-regulation of miR-193b by TGF-β1 inhibits cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
  • Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate miRNA expression profiles altered by TGF-β1 in gastric cancer (GC) cells.
  • To determine the functional role of specific altered miRNAs in GC biological behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • miRNA expression profiling using microarray and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
  • Assessment of cell migration, invasion, and wound healing.
  • Target prediction, Western blot, and qRT-PCR to validate miRNA function.

Main Results:

  • TGF-β1 treatment altered the expression of six miRNAs in BGC823 GC cells.
  • miR-193b was significantly down-regulated by TGF-β1.
  • Overexpression of miR-193b suppressed GC cell invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, and reduced urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) protein levels.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-β1 significantly impacts the miRNA expression profile in gastric cancer cells.
  • TGF-β1-induced down-regulation of miR-193b contributes to GC cell invasion and metastasis.
  • miR-193b acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting invasion and metastasis, partly through regulating uPA.
Keywords:
TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1)expressiongastric cancer (GC)miRNA (microRNAs)

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