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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
MeRIP-qPCR Assay for Detecting m6A Modification Levels of Specific RNA in Osteosarcoma Cells
Published on: December 30, 2025
MicroRNA-137 is downregulated in human osteosarcoma and regulates cell proliferation and migration through targeting
Background:
In this work, we investigated the functional role of microRNA 137 (miR-137) in regulating osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo.
Methods:
Quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the gene expressions of miR-137 in osteosarcoma cell lines and osteosarcoma tumors. 143B and Saos-2 cells were infected with lentivirus expressing miR-137 mimics (miR-137-mimic) to ectopically upregulate miR-137. In vitro cancer proliferation and migration were examined by MTT assay and transwell assay, respectively. Viral infected Saos-2 cells were also subcutaneously inoculated into null mice to evaluate the effect of miR-137 upregulation on in vivo tumor growth. The interaction between miR-137 and its downstream target, FXYD6, was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter assay and quantitative real-time PCR. FXYD6 was then subsequently upregulated in osteosarcoma cells to evaluate its effect on miR-137 regulation in osteosarcoma.
Results:
We found that miR-137 was significantly downregulated in both osteosarcoma cell lines and osteosarcoma tumors. Lentiviral infection of miR-137-mimic upregulated miR-137 gene expression, reduced in vitro proliferation and migration and inhibited in vivo osteosarcoma tumor growth. FXYD6 was verified to be directly interacting with miR-137, and its subsequent upregulation reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-137 upregulation in osteosarcoma.
Conclusion:
We revealed novel functional role of miR-137 in osteosarcoma regulation, likely through FXYD6 binding.
Insights
MicroRNA 137 (miR-137) is downregulated in osteosarcoma. Upregulating miR-137 inhibits cancer growth and migration, likely by targeting FXYD6.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- Osteosarcoma is a primary bone malignancy with limited treatment options.
- MicroRNAs play crucial roles in cancer development and progression.
- The specific role of microRNA 137 (miR-137) in osteosarcoma remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of miR-137 in regulating osteosarcoma.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying miR-137's action in osteosarcoma.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative RT-PCR to assess miR-137 expression in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines.
- In vitro assays (MTT, transwell) to evaluate proliferation and migration upon miR-137 upregulation.
- In vivo studies using mouse models to assess tumor growth inhibition.
- Dual-luciferase reporter assays to confirm direct interaction between miR-137 and FXYD6.
Main Results:
- miR-137 expression was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma.
- Ectopic miR-137 upregulation inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration in vitro.
- miR-137 upregulation suppressed osteosarcoma tumor growth in vivo.
- FXYD6 was identified as a direct target of miR-137, and its upregulation counteracted miR-137's inhibitory effects.
Conclusions:
- miR-137 functions as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma.
- The tumor-suppressive role of miR-137 is mediated, at least in part, through the regulation of FXYD6.
- These findings highlight miR-137 as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
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