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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
Published on: April 6, 2012
miR-124-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by targeting CBL
Yanbo Wang1, Luxiao Chen1, Zhenyu Wu1
1State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210046, China.
Background:
The origin and development of breast cancer remain complex and obscure. Recently, microRNA (miRNA) has been identified as an important regulator of the initiation and progression of breast cancer, and some studies have shown the essential role of miR-124-3p as a tumor suppressor in breast tumorigenesis. However, the detailed role of miR-124-3p in breast cancer remains poorly understood.
Methods:
Quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting assays were used to measure miR-124-3p and CBL expression levels in breast cancer tissues, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the direct targeting of CBL by miR-124-3p. Cell proliferation and invasion assays were performed to analyze the biological functions of miR-124-3p and CBL in breast cancer cells.
Results:
In the present study, we found that miR-124-3p was consistently downregulated in breast cancer tissues. Moreover, we showed that miR-124-3p significantly suppressed the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells. In addition, we investigated the molecular mechanism through which miR-124-3p contributes to breast cancer tumorigenesis and identified CBL (Cbl proto-oncogene, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase) as a direct target gene of miR-124-3p. Moreover, we found that ectopic expression of CBL can attenuate the inhibitory effect of miR-124-3p on cell proliferation and invasion in breast cancer cells.
Conclusions:
This study identified a new regulatory axis in which miR-124-3p and CBL regulate the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells.
Insights
MicroRNA-124-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by downregulating CBL, inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. This study reveals a novel regulatory axis impacting breast cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer development is complex and not fully understood.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in breast cancer initiation and progression.
- miR-124-3p is implicated as a tumor suppressor, but its precise role requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miR-124-3p in breast cancer.
- To identify the molecular targets and mechanisms of miR-124-3p in breast cancer cells.
- To understand the regulatory axis involving miR-124-3p and its target in breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting to assess miR-124-3p and CBL expression.
- Luciferase reporter assay to confirm direct targeting of CBL by miR-124-3p.
- Cell proliferation and invasion assays to evaluate functional impact.
Main Results:
- miR-124-3p was significantly downregulated in breast cancer tissues.
- miR-124-3p suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion.
- CBL (Cbl proto-oncogene, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase) was identified as a direct target of miR-124-3p.
- Ectopic CBL expression counteracted the inhibitory effects of miR-124-3p.
Conclusions:
- miR-124-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer.
- A novel regulatory axis involving miR-124-3p and CBL in controlling breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion was identified.
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