Upregulation of miRNA-202 promotes apoptosis and inhibits migration of glioma cell line via downregulation of ROCK1 gene

Abstract

Background: We evaluated role(s) of miR-202 in glioma cell lines, its effect on ROCK1 expression, and also evaluation of apoptosis and migration of human glioma cell line after transfection with miR-202 mimics and inhibitors. Material and methods: The cell lines were transfected with mimic, inhibitor and NC of miR-202. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted to evaluate the expression of miR‐202 and ROCK1 . Western blot was performed to detect the protein level of ROCK1. Furthermore, MTT and wound healing assay were performed to evaluate the effects of miR-202 on apoptosis and migration of human glioma cell line, respectively. Results: miR-202 showed a significantly decrease in human glioma cell lines, compared with the NHA cell line (P<0.05). The ROCK1 expression was significantly upregulated in glioma cell lines, compared with the NHA cell line ( P <0.05). Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between expression of ROCK1 and miR-202 ( P =0.01, r=-0.426). The mRNA and protein levels of ROCK1 were decreased in U87 cell line in miR-202 mimics group, compared with mimic NC group (P<0.05). In addition, apoptosis was significantly increased in miR-202 mimics, compared with the NC group in U87 cell line at 72 and 96 h (P<0.05). Furthermore, invasion showed a significant decrease in miR-202 mimic group, compared with U87 cell line at 24 and 48 h (P<0.05). Conclusions: The miR-202 could serve as a tumour-suppressor miRNA in glioma. Therefore, targeting ROCK1 by miR-202 may increase improve disease outcome and could be considered as a potential therapeutic target for glioma patients.