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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Impedance-based Real-time Measurement of Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion
Published on: April 2, 2020
MicroRNAs let-7b/i suppress human glioma cell invasion and migration by targeting IKBKE directly
Yuan Tian1, Shaobo Hao1, Minhua Ye2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, People's Republic of China; Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin 300052, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma, Variation and Regeneration, Ministry of Education and Tianjin Municipal Government, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
We demonstrated that IKBKE is overexpressed in human gliomas and that the downregulation of IKBKE markedly inhibits the proliferative and invasive abilities of glioma cells, which is consistent with the results reported by several different research groups. Therefore, IKBKE represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma. In the present study, we verified that the microRNAs let-7b and let-7i target IKBKE through luciferase assays and found that let-7b/i mimics can knock down IKBKE and upregulate E-cadherin through western blot analysis. Moreover, the expression levels of let-7b/i were significantly lower in glioma cell lines than that in normal brain tissues, as determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, let-7b/i inhibit the invasion and migration of glioma cells, as determined through wound healing and Transwell assays. The above-mentioned data suggest that let-7b/i inhibit the invasive ability of glioma cells by directly downregulating IKBKE and indirectly upregulating E-cadherin.
Insights
The study reveals that microRNAs let-7b and let-7i can inhibit glioma cell invasion by targeting IKBKE (inhibitor of kappa kinase epsilon). Lower levels of let-7b/i in gliomas suggest their potential as therapeutic agents for brain cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Inhibitor of kappa kinase epsilon (IKKKE) is overexpressed in human gliomas.
- IKKKE downregulation inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion.
- IKKKE is a potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNAs let-7b and let-7i in glioma.
- To determine if let-7b/i target IKKKE.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which let-7b/i affect glioma cell invasion.
Main Methods:
- Luciferase assays to confirm let-7b/i targeting of IKKKE.
- Western blot analysis to assess protein levels.
- Quantitative real-time PCR to measure microRNA expression.
- Wound healing and Transwell assays to evaluate cell migration and invasion.
Main Results:
- let-7b and let-7i were verified as direct targets of IKKKE.
- let-7b/i mimics reduced IKKKE expression and increased E-cadherin levels.
- Expression of let-7b/i was significantly lower in glioma cells compared to normal brain tissue.
- let-7b/i inhibited glioma cell invasion and migration.
Conclusions:
- let-7b/i act as tumor suppressors in glioma.
- These microRNAs inhibit glioma cell invasion by downregulating IKKKE and upregulating E-cadherin.
- let-7b/i represent potential therapeutic agents for glioma treatment.
