MicroRNA-454 may function as an oncogene via targeting AKT in triple negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Altered microRNAs expression mediates tumor development and progression in many type cancers including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here we detected the effect of miR-454 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion of triple negative breast cancer cells.

RESULTS: miR-454 promoted the proliferation of TNBC, and enhanced migration and invasion in TNBC cells. Meanwhile, miR-454 improved the survival of TNBC cells after ironizing radiation. miR-454 inhibited radiation-induced apoptosis in TNBC cells by regulation of caspase 3/7 and Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, PTEN and pAKT levels in TNBC cells were changed after overexpression of miR-454.

CONCLUSIONS: miR-454 played an essential role in tumor development and progression in TNBC, and might be used as a potential biomarker to predict radiotherapy response and prognosis in TNBC.