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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
miR-342-3p suppresses cell proliferation and migration by targeting AGR2 in non-small cell lung cancer
Xiaofeng Xue1, Xiaoyan Fei2, Wenjie Hou1
1The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, 215006, China.
Abstract:
AGR2 is a well-studied secreted protein that is involved in multiple biological processes including cell proliferation and migration. The mechanism by which AGR2 increases the growth and migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) is still unknown. In this study, we report that AGR2 is directly targeted by miR-342-3p. Functional studies suggest that overexpression of miR-342-3p inhibits the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Overexpression of AGR2 counteracts the phenotypes induced by miR-342-3p. Moreover, AGR2 expression is up-regulated and negatively correlated with miR-342-3p levels in NSCLC cells and tissues. A meta-analysis of survival data indicates that NSCLC patients with high levels of AGR2 in their tumors have a worse prognosis. Collectively, the identification of miR-342-3p and AGR2 might facilitate the development of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this devastating disease.
Insights
MicroRNA-342-3p inhibits non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growth by targeting AGR2. High AGR2 levels correlate with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Anterior Gradient 2 (AGR2) is a secreted protein implicated in cell proliferation and migration.
- The precise mechanisms by which AGR2 influences non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory relationship between miR-342-3p and AGR2 in NSCLC.
- To elucidate the functional impact of this interaction on NSCLC cell behavior and patient prognosis.
Main Methods:
- In silico analysis to predict miRNA-target interactions.
- In vitro functional assays (e.g., cell proliferation, migration assays) in NSCLC cell lines.
- Analysis of AGR2 and miR-342-3p expression in NSCLC tissues.
- Meta-analysis of patient survival data.
Main Results:
- AGR2 is identified as a direct target of miR-342-3p.
- Overexpression of miR-342-3p significantly inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation and migration.
- Elevated AGR2 expression counteracts the inhibitory effects of miR-342-3p.
- AGR2 is upregulated, and miR-342-3p is downregulated in NSCLC cells and tissues, showing a negative correlation.
- High AGR2 expression in tumors is associated with a poorer prognosis for NSCLC patients.
Conclusions:
- miR-342-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC by targeting AGR2.
- The miR-342-3p/AGR2 axis represents a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.
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