Effects of miR-106b-3p on cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and targeting of ZNRF3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRs) is frequently associated with cancer progression. Deregulation of miR-106b-3p has been observed in various types of human cancer. However, the biological function of miR-106b-3p in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC ) remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-106b-3p in ESCC. In the current study, the results indicated that miR-106b-3p was upregulated in ESCC cell lines and tissues. An increase in miR-106b-3p using miR mimics significantly promoted the proliferation of ESCC cells in vitro. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that miR-106b-3p overexpression promoted migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ESCC cells. In addition, zinc and ring finger 3 (ZNRF3) was identified as a target of miR-106b-3p in ESCC cells, and the ZNRF3 expression level was inversely associated with miR-106b-3p. It was also demonstrated that miR-106b-3p has a role in EMT by regulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in ESCC. In conclusion, these data suggested that miR-106b-3p promotes cell proliferation and invasion, partially by downregulating ZNRF3 and inducing EMT via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in ESCC cells. Thus, miR-106b-3p and ZNRF3 may be novel molecular targets for the future treatment of ESCC .