Mir-135a enhances cellular proliferation through post-transcriptionally regulating PHLPP2 and FOXO1 in human bladder

Xiao Peng Mao1, Luo Sheng Zhang2, Bin Huang3

  • 1Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, PR China. mxpzc1979@163.com.

Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-135a (miR-135a) is upregulated in bladder cancer, promoting cell proliferation by targeting PHLPP2 and FOXO1. This study identifies miR-135a as a potential onco-microRNA in bladder cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Bladder cancer is a prevalent malignancy globally.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in cancer development.
  • Investigating specific miRNAs like miR-135a is crucial for understanding bladder cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the expression levels of miR-135a in bladder cancer.
  • To elucidate the functional role of miR-135a in bladder cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenicity.
  • To identify the direct molecular targets of miR-135a in bladder cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time PCR for miR-135a expression analysis.
  • Cell proliferation and tumorigenicity assays (MTT, colony formation, anchorage-independent growth, BrdUrd).
  • Western blotting for target gene expression and luciferase assay for target validation.

Main Results:

  • miR-135a is significantly upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells.
  • Overexpression of miR-135a enhances bladder cancer cell proliferation; inhibition reduces it.
  • PHLPP2 and FOXO1 were identified as direct targets of miR-135a, mediating its oncogenic effects.

Conclusions:

  • miR-135a acts as an onco-microRNA in bladder cancer.
  • miR-135a promotes bladder cancer cell proliferation by downregulating PHLPP2 and FOXO1.
  • Targeting miR-135a presents a potential therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer.