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Updated: Dec 20, 2025
Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
Published on: April 6, 2012
MicroRNA-345 functions as a tumor suppressor via targeting ZEB2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Jing Wu1, Jun Cao1, Xiaoyu Li1
1Department of Stomatology, the People's Hospital of Longhua Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518109, P.R. China.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to explore the role of miRNAs in OSCC and to identify potential novel biomarkers or therapeutic agents in OSCC treatment.
Design:
Microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to identify and verify differentially expressed miRNAs in OSCC tissues. The migration, invasion, proliferation and cell cycle of OSCC cells were analyzed to determine the function of miR-345 in OSCC development. Bioinformatics analysis and Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify and verify the target of miR-345.
Results:
The results showed a total of 17 miRNAs with significantly different expression in OSCC tissues (5 upregulated miRNAs and 12 downregulated miRNAs), including miR-345. The microarray results were also validated by qRT-PCR using 22 pairs of cancerous tissues and matched non-cancerous healthy samples. In particular, miR-345 expression was significantly lower in OSCC tissues. In addition, overexpression of miR-345 mimics in OSCC cells significantly inhibited their migration, invasion and proliferation while inducing cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Bioinformatics analysis predicted ZEB2 (zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2) as a potential target of miR-345, and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-345 targeted ZEB2 through direct binding the 3' untranslated region of ZEB2. Furthermore, miR-345 overexpression in OSCC reduced both mRNA and protein expression of ZEB2.
Conclusions:
The results of this study indicated that miR-345 functions as a tumor suppressor to target ZEB2 in OSCC. These findings suggest that the miR-345/ZEB2 axis may be used as a potential therapeutic target in OSCC treatment.
Insights
MicroRNA-345 (miR-345) acts as a tumor suppressor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by targeting ZEB2. This miR-345/ZEB2 pathway presents a potential therapeutic strategy for OSCC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer with complex molecular underpinnings.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer development and progression.
- Identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets is essential for improving OSCC treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of specific miRNAs in OSCC.
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers or therapeutic agents for OSCC.
- To elucidate the function and molecular targets of miR-345 in OSCC.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for miRNA expression profiling.
- Functional assays (migration, invasion, proliferation, cell cycle) to assess miR-345 activity.
- Bioinformatics analysis and Dual-luciferase reporter assays to identify and validate miR-345 targets.
Main Results:
- 17 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in OSCC tissues, with miR-345 significantly downregulated.
- Overexpression of miR-345 inhibited OSCC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, inducing G1 cell cycle arrest.
- ZEB2 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-345, with miR-345 overexpression reducing ZEB2 mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusions:
- miR-345 functions as a tumor suppressor in OSCC by targeting ZEB2.
- The miR-345/ZEB2 axis represents a promising therapeutic target for OSCC.
- miR-345 holds potential as a biomarker for OSCC diagnosis and prognosis.
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