miR-378a-3p regulates glioma cell chemosensitivity to cisplatin through IGF1R

Yunjiang Wang1, Jia Du2

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, 224001, China.

Open Life Sciences
|November 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA miR-378a-3p enhances chemotherapy sensitivity in glioma by targeting the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). This finding offers a new therapeutic strategy for glioma patients undergoing cisplatin treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Glioma is a prevalent intracranial tumor with limited treatment options.
  • Chemotherapy resistance remains a significant challenge in glioma treatment.
  • MicroRNAs play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of miR-378a-3p in regulating cisplatin (CDDP) chemosensitivity in glioma cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism involving insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R).
  • To explore the potential of miR-378a-3p as a therapeutic target for improving glioma chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure miR-378a-3p levels.
  • Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay for cell proliferation assessment.
  • Flow cytometry to analyze apoptosis.
  • Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-378a-3p and IGF1R.

Main Results:

  • miR-378a-3p expression was decreased in human glioma U251 cells and U251/CDDP cells compared to normal glial cells.
  • Overexpression of miR-378a-3p inhibited U251/CDDP cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis.
  • IGF1R was identified as a direct target gene of miR-378a-3p, with its expression being inhibited by miR-378a-3p overexpression.
  • Co-overexpression of miR-378a-3p and IGF1R reversed the effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • miR-378a-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in glioma by targeting IGF1R.
  • miR-378a-3p significantly enhances the chemosensitivity of glioma cells to cisplatin.
  • Targeting miR-378a-3p could be a promising strategy to improve therapeutic outcomes in glioma patients undergoing chemotherapy.