MiR-374b reduces cell proliferation and cell invasion of cervical cancer through regulating FOXM1

Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been identified as critical event in tumor initiation and progression. We aimed to explore the role of miR-374b in cervical cancer progression.

MiR-374b expression was detected using qRT-PCR in cervical cancer tissues compared with normal counterparts. Cell proliferation and invasion ability were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) cell proliferation and transwell invasion assay. Dual luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis were used to demonstrate that FOXM1 was a target of miR-374b.

We demonstrated that downregulation of miR-374b was frequently examined in cervical cancer tissues compared with normal counterparts. Furthermore, we showed the lower miR-374b expression associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced FIGO stage in patients with cervical cancer. Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR-374b could significantly decrease cell proliferation and invasion ability. However, inhibition of miR-374b had opposite effects. Dual luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis revealed that miR-374b overexpression suppressed cell proliferation and invasion ability via affecting FOXM1 expression.

These results indicated that miR-374b acted as tumor suppressor and may serve as a potential target for cervical cancer treatment.