UBE2C, targeted by miR-140-3p, promotes the progression of osteosarcoma via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

UBE2C was reported to play carcinogenic effects in diverse cancers. However, the role of UBE2C in osteosarcoma was poorly understood, and its functional mechanisms were not fully clarified.

RT-qPCR was used to assess the expression of UBE2C mRNA and miR-140-3p, and western blot technique was used to examine the UBE2C protein and PI3K/AKT pathway-associated proteins. CCK-8 test was applied to measure cell proliferation, and wound healing assay were used to measure migration. Using animal studies, the function of UBE2C in vivo was evaluated. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the potential interaction among UBE2C and miR-140-3p.

In osteosarcoma cells as well as tumor samples, UBE2C was strongly expressed. Osteosarcoma cell proliferation as well as cell migration were inhibited by UBE2C knockdown, and PI3K/AKT signaling activity was diminished. In addition, UBE2C knockdown impeded tumor growth in animal models. UBE2C expression was lessened by miR-140-3p as miR-140-3p targets it. UBE2C is overexpressed which promote osteosarcoma proliferation as well as migration, and strengthened the PI3K/AKT signaling activity, while forced miR-140-3p expression partially abolished these effects.

UBE2C, targeted by miR-140-3p, drove carcinogenic effects in osteosarcoma through activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.