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Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
miR-520e regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration in breast cancer
Ming Yi1, Minghua Li2, Xia Long2
1Central Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China; Department of Graduate Studies, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Previous studies have indicated that the deregulation of microRNAs contributes to tumorigenesis. Misregulation of microRNA-520e (miR-520e) has been observed in various types of cancer. However, the expression profile and biological function of miR-520e in breast cancer remains largely unknown. The present study demonstrated that miR-520e expression was significantly increased in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous breast tissues in 21 patients, as revealed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the proliferation capacity of breast cancer cells was markedly enhanced by the introduction of miR-520e in vitro using a cell counting kit-8 assay. The present study also revealed that the overexpression of miR-520e could suppress breast cancer cell apoptosis, revealed using Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining and flow cytometry analysis. In addition, the ectopic expression of miR-520e promoted the migration of breast cancer cells in vitro, as demonstrated by a Transwell assay. Overall, the findings of the present study highlight an important role for miR-520e in breast cancer development and in the molecular etiology of breast cancer, which indicates the potential application of miR-520e in cancer therapy.
Insights
MicroRNA-520e (miR-520e) is upregulated in breast cancer, promoting cell proliferation and migration while suppressing apoptosis. This suggests miR-520e as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNA deregulation is linked to cancer development.
- MicroRNA-520e (miR-520e) dysregulation is noted in several cancers, but its role in breast cancer is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression profile and biological functions of miR-520e in breast cancer.
- To determine the impact of miR-520e on breast cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess miR-520e expression in patient tissues.
- Cell counting kit-8 assay to evaluate cell proliferation.
- Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry to analyze apoptosis.
- Transwell assay to measure cell migration.
Main Results:
- miR-520e expression was significantly higher in breast cancer tissues than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues.
- Overexpression of miR-520e enhanced breast cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro.
- miR-520e overexpression suppressed breast cancer cell apoptosis in vitro.
Conclusions:
- miR-520e plays a significant role in breast cancer development and progression.
- miR-520e may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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