Micro RNA-126 coordinates cell behavior and signaling cascades according to characteristics of breast cancer cells

Micro RNA-126 is known to enhance apoptotic processes and also plays a role in vascular growth through the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated signaling, angiogenesis, and vascular integrity.

We aimed to determine the role of miR-126 in breast cancer cell lines with a variety of different characteristics to evaluate its interaction with certain cancer-related molecules and mechanisms.

To determine the effect of presence and absence of miR-126 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, miR-126 mimics and inhibitor were transfected. miRNA and gene expressions were observed by using RT-PCR. Viability, proliferation, adhesion, invasion and lateral motility assays were performed to determine cell behavior changes.

miR-126 is more effective on MDA-MB-231 cells on cell behavior. We observed an increase in miR-126 expression when miR-126 mimics was transfected to MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Also, there was a decrease in miR-126 expression when MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with miR-126 inhibitor. Furthermore, presence and absence of miR-126 modulated the gene expressions of VEGF/PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.

Our study showed that miR-126 is in a state of interaction with a multitude molecules playing a role in breast cancer. According to obtained data, we can say that miR-126 may be more effective in inhibition of metastatic breast cancer (Tab. 4, Fig. 3, Ref. 46).