MiR-223-3p promotes the growth and invasion of neuroblastoma cell via targeting FOXO1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to have crucial roles in cancer development. We investigated the involvement of miR-223-3p in neuroblastoma (NB).

MiR-223-3p expression in NB cell lines and normal cell line was analyzed with real-time quantitative PCR method. Cell proliferation, cell invasion, and cell apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis, Dual-Luciferase reporter assays, and Western blot analysis were conducted to identify the connection of miR-223-3p and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1).

MiR-223-3p level was found highly expressed in NB cell lines compared with normal cell line. Knockdown miR-223-3p expression decreased cell growth and invasion but increased cell apoptosis. MiR-223-3p was able to bind with the 3'-untranslated region of FOXO1, and thereby resulting in a reduction of FOXO1 expression. The knockdown of FOXO1 increased the malignant capacity of NB cells.

Therefore, given the fact that miR-223-3p suppressed FOXO1 expression to promote NB progression, targeting miR-223-3p may be an effective method for NB treatment.