Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
Published on: October 10, 2025
miR-486-5p functions as an oncogene by targeting PTEN in non-small cell lung cancer
Zhao-Jia Gao1, Wei-Dong Yuan2, Jun-Qiang Yuan2
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Heart and lung disease laboratory, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Purpose:
Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, shows a poor 5-year overall survival rate. In our previous study, we demonstrated that miR-486-5p can be a potential blood-based biomarker for early diagnosis and recurrence prediction of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible roles and related target genes of miR-486-5p in NSCLC progression.
Methods:
pcDNA3.1(+)/Pri-miR486 recombinant plasmid and miR-486-5p inhibitor were transfected into NSCLC cells and theirs effects were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Then, MTT assay and Colony formation assay were performed to determine the potential roles of miR-486-5p played on NSCLC cellular proliferation and cloning in vitro. We also initially investigated the target genes of miR-486-5p by using bioinformatic methods, qRT-PCR and western blot.
Results:
pcDNA3.1(+)/Pri-miR486 recombinant plasmid significantly upregulated the expression of miR-486-5p, while miR-486-5p inhibitor significantly downregulated its expression. Upregulation of miR-486-5p promoted the cellular proliferation and cloning, while miR-486-5p silencing restrained the cellular proliferation and cloning. Furthermore, four potential target genes (PIK3R1, PTEN, MAP3K7 and FOXO1) of miR-486-5p were screened out. Finally, we found that upregulation of miR-486-5p in NSCLC cells significantly reduced PTEN and increased AKT expression levels, whereas miR-486-5p silencing increased PTEN and reduced AKT expression. Therefore, we believe that miR-486-5p can regulate PTEN-PI3 K/AKT signaling.
Conclusions:
miR-486-5p acts as an oncogene in the progression of NSCLC by influencing PTEN-PI3 K/AKT signaling. miR-486-5p may provide potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Lung Capacity
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia

