miR-187 induces apoptosis of SiHa cervical carcinoma cells by downregulating Bcl-2

Abstract

Cervical carcinoma is a life-threatening illness posing considerable danger to women’s health. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to regulate multiple cellular events, including growth and proliferation, and miR-187 is thought to regulate the growth and apoptosis of certain cell types. Our study focused on the influence of miR-187 on the growth, proliferation, and apoptosis of SiHa cervical carcinoma cells, and explored the mechanism behind its pro-apoptotic effect. miR-187 and control (scrambled) miRNA were synthesized with a standard protocol and lipofected into SiHa cells. Thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assays and tests of caspase-3 activity were then performed to examine growth, proliferation, and apoptosis by flow cytometry. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and an expression plasmid were synthesized for inhibition and overexpression of Bcl-2, respectively, and following their transfection, western blotting was used to examine Bcl-2 protein levels. Compared to transfection with control miRNA, miR-187 significantly reduced SiHa cell growth and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Increased translocation of phosphatidylserine and activation of caspase-3 were observed in miR-187-transfected cells. Moreover, inhibition of Bcl-2 enhanced the pro-apoptotic effect of this miRNA, while Bcl-2 overexpression had the opposite effect. miR-187 inhibits the growth and proliferation of SiHa cells, and induces their apoptosis via downregulation of Bcl-2. Bcl-2 represents a potential therapeutic target for cervical carcinoma.