miR-19b promotes tumor growth and metastasis via targeting TP53

Tumor suppressor TP53 (or p53) is one of the most important regulators in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Recently, the miRNA-mediated post-transcription regulation of p53 has been studied. However, systematic studies of miRNA targeting sites within the p53 gene are still a challenging task. Here, we developed a dual-color assay capable of identifying miRNA targeting sites in a certain gene, specifically p53, in a simple, direct, and robust manner. Results showed that p53 was a direct and critical target of miR-19b, but not miR-19a, regardless of sequence similarity. Overexpression of miR-19b observed in human cancer cells can diminish p53 protein levels and, subsequently, downstream components such as Bax and p21. This miR-19b-mediated p53 reduction was shown to promote cell cycle, cell migration or invasion, and repress senescence and apoptosis in vitro. Further investigation revealed that miR-19b controls tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Therefore, it is possible that miR-19b antagomirs or sponges could be developed as therapeutic agents against tumor development.