Up-regulation of MiR-452 inhibits metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating BMI1

Abstract

Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been regarded as a new class of regulators in cellular processes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the relationship between miR-452 and the development of NSCLC remains unclear. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-452 and its target gene in NSCLC samples (n=60). The transwell assay was used to test the cell invasion capability. The regulation mechanism was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and western blot assay. Results: In the current study, a relatively lower miR-452 and higher BMI1 expression levels were confirmed to be associated with advanced tumor stage and more extent of lymph nodes metastasis. in vitro, down-regulated miR-452 could enhance cell invasion capability. Furthermore, miR-452 modulated BMI1 expression by binding to its 3'-UTR. The enhancement of cell invasion capability induced by down-regulated miR-452 was eliminated by repression of BMI1. Conclusions: Our results suggest that miR-452 plays a vital role in development of NSCLC, and this miR-452-BMIl pathway might generate a novel insight into the treatment of NSCLC.