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MicroRNA-15a-5p suppresses triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion by modulating T-cell

Shaopeng Feng1, Yunjie Song1, Jintao Cui1

  • 1Department of Breast Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, China.

Cytojournal
|February 26, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-15a-5p suppresses triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by downregulating TIGIT. This interaction inhibits TNBC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents significant treatment challenges due to its distinct biological profile.
  • The T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) is implicated in cancer progression.
  • MicroRNAs play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular interplay between microRNA-15a-5p (miR-15a-5p) and TIGIT in the context of TNBC.
  • To determine the functional impact of this interaction on TNBC cell behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis of the GSE22513 microarray dataset.
  • In vitro experiments using TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468) with lentiviral transfection to overexpress TIGIT and miR-15a-5p.
  • Quantitative assessment of TIGIT and miR-15a-5p levels via Western blot and qRT-PCR.
  • Evaluation of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis using standard assays.

Main Results:

  • Bioinformatic analysis identified differentially expressed genes, with elevated TIGIT linked to poorer breast cancer outcomes.
  • TIGIT expression was significantly higher in TNBC cell lines compared to normal breast cells.
  • Overexpression of miR-15a-5p led to decreased TIGIT expression.
  • Suppression of TIGIT by miR-15a-5p inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.
  • This inhibition resulted in G2/M phase arrest and increased apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNA-15a-5p demonstrates tumor-suppressive activity in TNBC.
  • The tumor-suppressive effect is mediated through the downregulation of TIGIT.
  • Targeting the miR-15a-5p/TIGIT axis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
Keywords:
BioinformaticsProliferationT-cell immunoreceptor associated with immunoglobulin Ig and ITIM domainsTriple-negative breast cancermicroRNA-15a-5p

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