Targeting of miR-31/96/182 to the Numb gene during head and neck oncogenesis

Head Neck. 2018 Apr;40(4):808-817. doi: 10.1002/hed.25063. Epub 2018 Jan 22.

Abstract

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study investigates whether miR-31, miR-96, and miR-182 are involved in targeting Numb during HNSCC.

Methods: The expression of miR-31/96/182 in tumor tissues was analyzed. Reporter assay, knockdown, expression, and oncogenic analysis were carried out in cell lines.

Results: Upregulation of miR-31/96/182 was detected in tumor tissues. In addition, advanced tumors showed higher expression levels of these miRNAs. The expression of these miRNAs was upregulated after treatment with areca ingredients (P < .01 or P < .001). These miRNAs directly targeted the 3' untranslated region (UTR) sequence of the Numb gene. An increased migration and invasion of HNSCC cells was associated with the exogenous expression of miR-31/96/182 (P < .01 or P < .001), and this was reverted by expression of Numb.

Conclusion: This study provides new evidence demonstrating that there is frequent and concordant upregulation of miR-31, miR-96, and miR-182 during HNSCC and these miRNAs co-target Numb.

Keywords: Numb; carcinoma; miR-182; miR-31; miR-96; mouth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • MIRN31 microRNA, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • NUMB protein, human