MiR-126 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy

Abstract

MiRNA-126 (miR-126) has been shown to be involved in various malignancies as well as other biological processes. However, currently, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is not well understood. The present study is focused on the mechanisms that underlie the effect of miR-126 on cell survival and death (apoptosis and autophagy) in ESCC cells. MiR-126 expression was found to be enhanced in ESCC cells and tissues. Downregulation of miR-126 suppressed cell survival, and TUNEL staining indicated that miR-126 inhibition promoted ESCC cell death. In addition, the production of LC3B and p62 proteins, two autophagy signals, was reduced following miR-126 inhibition. A dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that the STAT3 3'-UTR is a direct target of miR-126. Furthermore, STAT3 knock-down rescued the effects on autophagy and apoptosis caused by miR-126 inhibition in ESCC cells. The results of this study may provide some insight into the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying ESCC generation and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for ESCC.

miR-18a-5p and ATM Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Correlations with Clinicopathological Features

“…In ESCC, multiple micro-RNAs have been found to play important roles. For example, miR-126 promotes ESCC progression through inhibiting autophagy, and miR-4306 inhibits ESCC cell proliferation via SIX3 [11,12]. As an important member of microRNA family, miR-18a-5p takes part in the progression of various cancers, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, endometrial cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma [13][14][15].…”

miR-145-3p Hampers the Malignant Progression of Esophageal Carcinoma via CXCL5 Downregulation

“…More and more investigations illustrated that numerous miRNAs play imperative roles in biological processes including migration, invasion, transformation, and apoptosis. For example, miR-126 inhibits apoptosis and autophagy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) [31]. miR-32 accelerates ESCC progression via regulating CXXC5/TGF-β pathway [6].…”

Molecular mechanism, regulation, and therapeutic targeting of the STAT3 signaling pathway in esophageal cancer (Review)

“…Additionally, miR-126 suppressed osteosarcoma proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT by targeting ZEB1 and inactivating the JNK and JAK1/STAT3 pathways ( 138 ). The role of miR-126 in ESCC was investigated in a study by Li et al ( 139 ), which revealed that miR-126 was upregulated in TE13 cells, Eca109 cells, and ESCC tissues, and targeted the 3'-UTR of STAT3, enhancing its transcription and translation, and thus increasing tumor cell viability. Considering its differing characteristics in other types of cancer, the specific role of miR-126 under certain conditions of EC remains to be determined.…”