MiR-93-5p up-regulation is involved in non-small cell lung cancer cells proliferation and migration and poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: MicroRNA-93-5p (miR-93-5p) dysregulation has been reported in many types of human cancer. However, the collective effect of miR-93-5p in both lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and the mechanism underlying miR-93-5p involvement in non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) is unknown. Herein, our purpose was to reveal the role and explain this mechanism, with the goal of contributing to the development of new diagnostic biomarkers and individualized therapeutic targets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined miR-93-5p expression in NSCLC specimens (including lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) by qPCR. The effects of miR-93-5p inhibitor on proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells were determined by MTT assay, colony formation assays, apoptosis assay, cell cycle assay and transwell chamber assays, respectively. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects were investigated via dual luciferase reporter assay and western blotting.

RESULTS: MiR-93-5p expression levels were significantly correlated with NSCLC patients overall survival rate. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were significantly inhibited by miR-93-5p down-regulation. Dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-93-5p directly bound with the 3'-untranslated region of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN and RB1.

CONCLUSION: MiR-93-5p is up-regulated in NSCLC and plays an oncogenic role by inhibiting PTEN and RB1, suggesting miR-93-5p may be a novel prognostic indicator and a therapeutic target in NSCLC.