MiR-204/14-3-3ζ axis regulates osteosarcoma cell proliferation through SATA3 pathway

Hyperproliferation of cells is a major problem is osteosarcoma (OS). So, further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying hyperproliferation of OS is needed. Western blots results showed that 14-3-3ζ protein was upregulated in OS cell lines; 14-3-3ζ knockdown significantly suppressed OS cell proliferation, as well as the protein levels of p-STAT3, c-Myc and Cyclin D1. MicroRNA-204 (miR-204) has been regarded as an essential regulator in cancer carcinogenesis, including OS. Here, we revealed that miR-204 directly targets the 3'UTR of 14-3-3ζ to inhibit its expression, thus to suppress 14-3-3ζ -induced OS cell hyperproliferation. Further, we demonstrated that the STAT3 pathway was involved in miR-204/14-3-3ζ regulation of OS cell proliferation. Our findings provide information about the underlying mechanisms of miR-204/14-3-3ζ in OS cell proliferation through the STAT3 pathway, and suggest miR-204 and 14-3-3ζ as potential therapeutic targets in OS.