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miR-509 inhibits cancer stemness properties in oral carcinomas via directly targeting PlK1

Ming-Yi Lu1,2, Chih-Yuan Fang3,4, Pei-Ling Hsieh5

  • 1School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.

Journal of Dental Sciences
|June 27, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-509 (miR-509) is downregulated in oral cancer stem cells. Restoring miR-509 reduces cancer stemness features and may offer a therapeutic target for oral cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • Oral cancer is a significant global health concern.
  • MicroRNAs play a role in regulating cancer stemness.
  • The specific function of miR-509 in oral cancer stem cells (CSCs) was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of miR-509 in oral cancer stem cell characteristics.
  • To determine the relationship between miR-509 and polo-like kinase 1 (plk1) in oral cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure miR-509 expression.
  • Flow cytometry to assess aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity and CD44 expression.
  • Functional assays (self-renewal, migration, colony formation) and luciferase reporter assay to confirm miR-509 targeting of plk1.

Main Results:

  • miR-509 expression was found to be downregulated in oral CSCs.
  • Upregulating miR-509 reduced CSC phenotypes, including ALDH1 activity, self-renewal, CD44 expression, migration, and colony formation.
  • A direct interaction between miR-509 and its target plk1 was confirmed.

Conclusions:

  • The miR-509/plk1 pathway is implicated in mediating cancer stemness in oral cancer.
  • Targeting the miR-509/plk1 axis presents a potential strategy to inhibit oral cancer progression.
Keywords:
Cancer stem cellsMicroRNA-509Oral cancerPolo like kinase 1

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