MiR-572 promotes the development of non-small cell lung cancer by targeting KLF2

The aim of this study was to uncover the role of miR-572 in regulating proliferative and migratory abilities in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the possible mechanism.

Expression levels of miR-572 in 46 matched NSCLC and paracancerous samples were detected. The relationship between miR-572 level and clinical features of NSCLC was analyzed. Subsequently, the regulatory effects of miR-572 on proliferative and migratory abilities in lung cancer cells were assessed by functional experiments. Finally, the downstream genes of miR-572 were tested by luciferase assay, and their functions in the development of NSCLC were finally explored by rescue experiments.

It was found that miR-572 was upregulated in NSCLC samples. High level of miR-572 predicted high rates of lymphatic and distant metastases, as well as poor prognosis in NSCLC. Besides, the knockdown of miR-572 suppressed proliferative and migratory abilities in A549 and SPC-A1 cells. KLF2 was identified to be the downstream gene of miR-572, which was involved in the regulation of NSCLC phenotypes influenced by miR-572.

MiR-572 is closely linked to metastasis and prognosis in NSCLC patients, and it promotes the malignant development of NSCLC via targeting KLF2.