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MicroRNA-21 Contributes to Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression via Mediating TIMP3/PI3K/AKT Signaling Axis

Shuhong Yin1, Xiuying Lin1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 161000, People's Republic of China.

International Journal of General Medicine
|January 15, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Down-regulating miR-21 inhibits cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) progression by increasing tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP3) and reducing PI3K/AKT pathway activation. This finding clarifies miR-21's role in CSCC development and metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show therapeutic potential in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).
  • The precise function of miR-21 in CSCC remains unclear.
  • This study investigates the miR-21 mechanism involving tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP3) and the PI3K/AKT pathway in CSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of miR-21 in CSCC.
  • To investigate the regulatory relationship between miR-21, TIMP3, and the PI3K/AKT pathway in CSCC.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting miR-21 for CSCC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Microarray analysis identified up-regulated miR-21 in CSCC tissues.
  • Correlation analysis assessed the relationship between miR-21, TIMP3, and patient survival.
  • Loss-of-function assays and in vivo studies (mice) evaluated the impact of miR-21 and TIMP3 modulation on CSCC progression, tumor formation, and metastasis.

Main Results:

  • MiR-21 was significantly up-regulated, and TIMP3 was down-regulated in CSCC tissues, correlating with poor patient survival.
  • Down-regulation of miR-21 inhibited CSCC cell progression, tumor formation, and metastasis in mice.
  • TIMP3 silencing reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-21 down-regulation.
  • Reduced miR-21 suppressed PI3K/AKT pathway activation in CSCC cells by modulating TIMP3.

Conclusions:

  • MiR-21 depletion hinders CSCC cell invasion and metastasis.
  • This effect is mediated by enhanced TIMP3 expression and suppressed PI3K/AKT pathway activation.
  • Targeting miR-21 offers a potential therapeutic strategy for CSCC.
Keywords:
cutaneous squamous cell carcinomametastasismicroRNA-21phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathwaytissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3

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