MiR-520b promotes the progression of non-small cell lung cancer through activating Hedgehog pathway

Although the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most malignant tumours worldwide, the mechanisms controlling NSCLC tumourigenesis remain unclear. Here, we find that the expression of miR-520b is up-regulated in NSCLC samples. Further studies have revealed that miR-520b promotes the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells. In addition, miR-520b activates Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. Inhibitor of Hh pathway could relieve the oncogenic effect of miR-520b upon NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that miR-520b directly targets SPOP 3'-UTR and decreases SPOP expression, culminating in GLI2/3 stabilization and Hh pathway hyperactivation. Collectively, our findings unveil that miR-520b promotes NSCLC tumourigenesis through SPOP-GLI2/3 axis and provide miR-520b as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.