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Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy
Published on: October 4, 2019
miR-20a mediates temozolomide-resistance in glioblastoma cells via negatively regulating LRIG1 expression
Junhua Wei1, Xuchen Qi2, Qitao Zhan3
1Department of Intensive Care Unit, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China.
Aims:
Resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) is a major obstacle in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). MiRNAs is considered as an important modulator of drug resistance in many cancers. Here, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between miR-20a, its predicted target genes leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) and TMZ resistance in GBM.
Main Methods:
Real-time PCR or western blot was used to measure the levels of miR-20a and LRIG1. The cell viability was obtained to investigate the sensitivity of U251 cells and TMZ-resistant U251 (U251/TMZ) cells to TMZ. MiR-20a inhibitor or miR-20a mimic was used to down-regulate or up-regulate miR-20a expression. The interaction between miR-20a and its predicted target gene LRIG1 was confirmed by 3'-UTR dual-luciferase reporter assay. pcDNA-LRIG1 was used to overexpress LRIG1 [corrected]. A xenograft tumor model was used to investigate the in vivo antitumor activity.
Key Findings:
MiR-20a was highly expressed and LRIG1 lowly expressed in U251/TMZ cells. Knockdown of miR-20a by treatment with miR-20a inhibitor restored sensitivity of U251/TM cells to TMZ in vivo and in vitro, whereas overexpression of miR-20a by treatment with miR-20a mimic resulted in increased TMZ resistance. The levels of LRIG1 were inversely related to miR-20a levels. And the luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-20a directly targeted the 3'UTR of LRIG1. In addition, functional knock-down of LRIG1 by gene specific siRNA reversed the effect of miR-20a inhibitor.
Significance:
MiR-20a mediated TMZ-resistance in glioblastoma cells through negatively regulating LRIG1 expression, which suggesting that miR-20a and LRIG1 would be potential therapeutic targets for glioma therapy.
Insights
MicroRNA-20a (miR-20a) promotes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma by suppressing LRIG1. Inhibiting miR-20a or restoring LRIG1 may overcome drug resistance in glioma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a significant challenge in treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in modulating drug resistance across various cancers.
- Understanding the specific miRNAs involved in TMZ resistance in GBM is vital for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miR-20a in temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioblastoma (GBM).
- To identify the relationship between miR-20a, its target gene LRIG1, and TMZ resistance in GBM.
- To explore the potential of targeting miR-20a and LRIG1 for glioma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to assess miR-20a and LRIG1 expression levels.
- Cell viability assays were performed to determine the sensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ.
- MiR-20a levels were modulated using inhibitors and mimics, and LRIG1 was overexpressed via pcDNA-LRIG1.
- A 3'-UTR dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the interaction between miR-20a and LRIG1.
- In vivo studies utilized a xenograft tumor model to evaluate antitumor activity.
Main Results:
- Glioblastoma cells resistant to TMZ (U251/TMZ) exhibited high miR-20a and low LRIG1 expression.
- Inhibiting miR-20a restored TMZ sensitivity in GBM cells, while miR-20a overexpression increased resistance.
- LRIG1 expression was inversely correlated with miR-20a levels, and miR-20a directly targeted LRIG1's 3'UTR.
- Knockdown of LRIG1 reversed the effect of miR-20a inhibition, confirming its role in mediating resistance.
Conclusions:
- MiR-20a contributes to TMZ resistance in glioblastoma by negatively regulating LRIG1 expression.
- The miR-20a/LRIG1 axis represents a potential therapeutic target for overcoming drug resistance in glioma.
- Modulating miR-20a and LRIG1 offers a promising strategy for enhancing the efficacy of TMZ treatment in GBM.
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