Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
The Use of Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells in an In Vitro Invasion Assay as a Measure of Oncogenic Cell Behavior
Published on: June 12, 2019
MicroRNA-138 Regulates Metastatic Potential of Bladder Cancer Through ZEB2
Background/Aims:
The cases of bladder cancer (BC) with poor prognosis largely result from the distal metastases of the primary tumor. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles during cancer metastases, determination of the involved miRNAs in the regulation of the metastases of BC may provide novel therapeutic targets for BC treatment. Here, we aimed to study the role of miR-138 in regulation of BC cell invasion and metastases.
Methods:
We analyzed the levels of miR-138 and ZEB2, a key factor that regulates cancer cell invasion, in the BC specimens from the patients. We also studied the correlation between miR-138 and ZEB2. We performed bioinformatics analyses on the binding of miR-138 to the 3'-UTR of ZEB2 mRNA, and verified the biological effects of this binding through promoter luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-138-modification on BC cell invasion were evaluated in a transwell cell invasion assay and a scratch would healing assay.
Results:
We found that the levels of miR-138 were significantly decreased and the levels of ZEB2 were significantly increased in BC specimens, compared to the paired normal bladder tissue. Metastatic BC appeared to contained lower levels of miR-138. Moreover, miR-138 and ZEB2 inversely correlated in BC specimens. Bioinformatics analyses showed that miR-138 targeted the 3'-UTR of ZEB2 mRNA to inhibit its translation. Furthermore, miR-138 overexpression inhibited ZEB2-mediated cell invasion and metastases, while miR-138 depletion increased ZEB2-mediated cell invasion and metastases in BC cells.
Conclusion:
Suppression of miR-138 in BC cells may promote ZEB2-mediated cancer invasion and metastases. Thus, miR-138 appears to be an intriguing therapeutic target to prevent metastases of BC.
Insights
MicroRNA-138 (miR-138) suppression in bladder cancer (BC) promotes ZEB2-driven invasion and metastasis. Restoring miR-138 may offer a therapeutic strategy to inhibit BC cell metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bladder cancer (BC) metastasis is a major cause of poor prognosis.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of cancer metastasis.
- Identifying miRNAs involved in BC metastasis can lead to novel therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miR-138 in regulating bladder cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
- To determine the relationship between miR-138 and ZEB2, a key regulator of cancer invasion.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed miR-138 and ZEB2 levels in BC specimens and correlated them.
- Performed bioinformatics and luciferase assays to confirm miR-138 targeting of ZEB2 mRNA.
- Evaluated the impact of miR-138 modulation on BC cell invasion using transwell and scratch healing assays.
Main Results:
- miR-138 levels were decreased, while ZEB2 levels were increased in BC tissues, especially in metastatic cases.
- miR-138 and ZEB2 showed an inverse correlation in BC specimens.
- miR-138 overexpression inhibited ZEB2-mediated BC cell invasion and metastasis, while depletion enhanced it.
Conclusions:
- Suppression of miR-138 in BC cells promotes ZEB2-mediated invasion and metastasis.
- miR-138 represents a potential therapeutic target for preventing bladder cancer metastasis.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
01:22MicroRNAs