miR-148b Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum Metallo Protease 1 in Human Endometrial Cancer Cells

Oncol Res. 2018 Dec 27;27(1):81-88. doi: 10.3727/096504018X15202988139874. Epub 2018 Mar 9.

Abstract

This study investigated the tumor-suppressive role of miR-148b in regulating endoplasmic reticulum metalloprotease 1 (ERMP1) expression and the oxidative stress response in endometrial cancer cells. Human endometrial cancer RL95-2 cells were used and transfected with miR-148b mimic, miR-148b inhibitor, or their scrambled negative control. Thereafter, the transfection efficiency was determined by RT-qPCR, and cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The dual-luciferase reporter assay, Western blot, and RT-qPCR were conducted to determine the target gene of miR-148b. ERMP1 is a putative target of miR-148b, and thereby the overexpression and downregulation of ERMP1 on the proliferation of RL95-2 cells were assessed. Next, the expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were analyzed by Western blot. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined using dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA). Results showed that differential expression of miR-148b or ERMP1 was observed in normal endometrial tissues and endometrial cancerous tissues. Enhanced expression of miR-148b effectively inhibited proliferation of RL95-2 cells. ERMP1 was the target of miR-148b. ERMP1 silencing obviously suppressed proliferation of RL95-2 cells. Thus, miR-148b repressed cell proliferation, likely through downregulating ERMP1. Furthermore, it was observed that miR-148b significantly decreased expression of HIF-1 and Nrf2 by downregulating ERMP1. The intracellular ROS level was enhanced by miR-148b via downregulating ERMP1. To conclude, our results suggested that miR-148b suppressed cell proliferation and regulated the oxidative stress response in human endometrial cancer RL95-2 cells by inhibiting ERMP1.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / genetics
  • Oxidative Stress / genetics*
  • Peptide Hydrolases / genetics*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • HIF1A protein, human
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • MIRN148 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • NFE2L2 protein, human
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • ERMP1 protein, human
  • Peptide Hydrolases