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An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
MicroRNA-137 Inhibits Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Downregulating DAAM1
Weina Li1, Xiangdong Bai2, Ruyuan Guo1
1Department of Radiotherapy, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
Background:
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that miR-137 acts against cancers; however, the biological function of miR-137 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains to be fully understood.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to explore the role of miR-137 in ESCC.
Methods:
miR-137 expression was detected by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and target protein expression was detected by western blot. Cell counting, colony formation and flow cytometry were employed to determine the effects of miR-137 on the growth of ESCC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the binding of miR- 137 with a dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1) 3'-UTR.
Results:
miR-137 was shown to be down-regulated in ESCC. miR-137 expression was inversely correlated with the 5-year survival rate of ESCC patients. Up-regulated miR-137 attenuated ESCC proliferation and promoted ESCC cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, to further reveal how miR-137 regulated the malignant behaviors of ESCC, the downstream mRNA binding targets of miR-137 were explored. miR-137 was demonstrated to bind DAAM1 3'-UTR and repressed the expression of DAAM1. The expression of DAAM1 and miR-137 in ESCC was inversely correlated. Additionally, the reintroduction of DAAM1 had the capacity to reverse the negative role of miR- 137 in ESCC cell growth.
Conclusion:
These findings have uncovered the new function of miR-137 in ESCC via negatively regulating DAAM1, suggesting miR-137 as a potent therapeutic candidate for ESCC treatment.
Insights
MicroRNA-137 (miR-137) is downregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), inhibiting cancer cell growth and promoting apoptosis. Upregulating miR-137 offers a potential therapeutic strategy for ESCC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- MicroRNA-137 (miR-137) exhibits anti-cancer properties, but its specific role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) requires further elucidation.
- Investigating miR-137's function is crucial for understanding ESCC pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the biological function and therapeutic potential of miR-137 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
- To identify the molecular targets and mechanisms through which miR-137 regulates ESCC progression.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting were used to assess miR-137 and target protein expression.
- Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation assays determined miR-137's impact on ESCC cell growth.
- Dual-luciferase reporter assays validated miR-137 binding to the DAAM1 3'-UTR.
Main Results:
- miR-137 expression was significantly downregulated in ESCC tissues and inversely correlated with patient survival.
- Overexpression of miR-137 suppressed ESCC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis.
- miR-137 directly targeted and repressed the expression of dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1).
- Reintroducing DAAM1 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-137 on ESCC cell growth.
Conclusions:
- miR-137 functions as a tumor suppressor in ESCC by negatively regulating DAAM1.
- These findings highlight miR-137 as a promising therapeutic candidate for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treatment.
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