miR‐30a‐3p inhibits the proliferation of laryngeal cancer cells by targeting DNMT3a through regulating DNA methylation of PTEN

Abstract

Objectives The study aims to examine how miR-30a-3p impacts the growth of laryngeal cancer by exploring its underlying mechanism. Our hypothesis suggests that the regulation of DNMT3a through PTEN by miR-30a-3p plays a significant role in the proliferation of laryngeal cancer. Methods To predict the role of miR-30a-3p in laryngeal cancer and its binding site to DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a), we utilized data from TCGA, GEO, and starBase. We employed Western blot and qRT-PCR to measure the expression levels of miR-30a-3p, DNMT3a, and PTEN. The interaction between miR-30a-3p and DNMT3a was evaluated using a Luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation and invasive abilities were assessed through the CCK-8 kit, EdU staining, and transwell assays. Results Analysis of TCGA data revealed that the expression of miR-30a-3p could impact the survival of patients with head and neck cancer. In Hep-2 cells, we observed down-regulated miR-30a-3p and up-regulated DNMT3a, with a negative correlation between the two. Furthermore, we discovered that miR-30a-3p directly targeted DNMT3a and suppressed its expression in Hep-2 cells, resulting in a decrease in cellular proliferation and invasive capabilities. Additionally, overexpression of miR-30a-3p in Hep-2 cells activated PTEN by reducing DNMT3a expression. Conclusions Our findings indicate that miR-30a-3p, acting as a tumor suppressor gene, plays a regulatory role in the growth and progression of laryngeal cancer through its interaction with DNMT3a and PTEN.