miR-342-3p Suppresses glioblastoma development via targeting CDK6

Glioblastoma is the most malignant primary brain tumor with dysregulated microRNAs affecting development and malignant transformation.

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset (GSE165937) was retrieved, and the differential expressed microRNAs were screened and testified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in glioblastoma cells. miR-342-3p mimic was transfected into U87MG and U251MG cells. EdU staining, cell counting kit-8, and transwell assay were utilized to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma. The potential binding sequences between miR-342-3p and CDK6 were predicted and testified by TargetScan and luciferase reporter assay. Relative CDK6 and miR-342-3p expression were detected with qRT-PCR and Western blot.

Down-regulated miR-342-3p was observed in both glioblastoma tissues and cell lines. Over-expressed miR-342-3p prohibited glioblastoma cells proliferation, migration, and invasion, which could be rescued by further CDK6 transfection. Mechanically, miR-342-3p could directly bind with CDK6 as testified with luciferase analysis and down-regulated CDK6 expression.

Down-regulated miR-342-3p may promote glioblastoma cells proliferation, migration, and invasion with up-regulated CDK6, which indicates that miR-342-3p/CDK6 might be a treatment target in glioblastoma development.