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miR-22 is down-regulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and inhibits cell migration and invasion
Chao Yang1, Siqing Ning1, Zhaoyuan Li1
1Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, 441000 China.
Background:
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer. Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this cancer, the survival rate at five years is poor. Lately, miR-22 is identified as a tumor-suppressing microRNA in many human cancers. However, the specific function of miR-22 in ESCC is unclear at this point.
Methods:
We first measured miR-22 expression level in 30 paired of ESCC and matched normal tissues, ESCC cell lines by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Invasion assay, MTT proliferation assay and wound-healing assay were performed to test the invasion and proliferation of ESCC cell after overexpression of miR-22.
Results:
We found that the expression of miR-22 in ESCC tissues and cell lines were much lower than that in normal control, respectively. The expression of miR-22 was inversely correlated with ESCC metastatic ability. Furthermore, transfection of miR-22 expression plasmid could significantly inhibit the cell proliferation, migration and invasion in Eca109 and Kyse410 ESCC cell lines.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that miR-22 act as tumor suppressor and inhibiting ESCC cell migration and invasion. The findings of this study contribute to the current understanding of the functions of miR-22 in ESCC.
Insights
MicroRNA-22 (miR-22) acts as a tumor suppressor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Lower miR-22 levels correlate with increased ESCC metastasis, and its restoration inhibits cancer cell proliferation and invasion.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) presents a significant global health challenge with poor patient survival rates.
- MicroRNA-22 (miR-22) has emerged as a potential tumor suppressor in various human cancers, but its role in ESCC remains largely undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels and functional role of miR-22 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
- To determine if miR-22 acts as a tumor suppressor by affecting ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
Main Methods:
- Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure miR-22 expression in ESCC tissues and cell lines.
- In vitro assays including invasion, MTT proliferation, and wound-healing assays were conducted to assess the functional impact of miR-22 overexpression.
Main Results:
- miR-22 expression was significantly downregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines compared to normal controls.
- Reduced miR-22 levels were inversely correlated with the metastatic potential of ESCC.
- Overexpression of miR-22 via plasmid transfection markedly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion in ESCC cell lines (Eca109 and Kyse410).
Conclusions:
- miR-22 functions as a tumor suppressor in ESCC by inhibiting cell migration and invasion.
- These findings elucidate the role of miR-22 in ESCC pathogenesis and suggest its potential as a therapeutic target.
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