Deregulation of RGS17 expression promotes breast cancer progression

Abstract

Objective: A high level of RGS17 expression is observed in diverse human cancers and correlates with tumor progression. Herein, we aim to investigate its expression and function in breast cancer. Methods: The expression of RGS17 was detected by immunohistochemical analysis and western blot analysis. The level of miR-32 expression was investigated by qRT-PCR. Western blot analysis was used to determine the relationship between RGS17 and miR-32. A series of loss or gain of function assays was performed to measure the effects of RGS17 or miR-32 on tumor migration, invasion, and proliferation. Results: Compared to that in normal breast specimen, the expression of RGS17 had a significantly higher expression level in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Although the potential relationship of RGS17 expression with clinicopathological features was not observed, there was a significant correlation of RGS17 expression with p63 expression. In cells, inhibition of RGS17 expression impaired cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Further, RGS17 was identified as a direct and functional target of miR-32. Overexpression of miR-32 in cells could decrease the expression of RGS17 and inhibit cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. In contrast, ectopic expression of RGS17 could attenuate phenotypes caused by miR-32 overexpression. Conclusion: The expression of RGS17 was upregulated in breast cancer, which could enhance cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Moreover, the RGS17 was identified as a target of miR-32. Our results suggest that RGS17 might play an important role in breast cancer progression and could be a potential target for human breast cancer treatment.