miR-19a/b and MeCP2 repress reciprocally to regulate multidrug resistance in gastric cancer cells

Int J Mol Med. 2018 Jul;42(1):228-236. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3581. Epub 2018 Mar 22.

Abstract

Despite the improvement in gastric cancer (GC) treatment, multidrug resistance (MDR) is still a significant reason for chemotherapy failure. Our previous studies have demonstrated that miR-19a/b upregulation directly promoted MDR in GC cells. However, the exact regulation and the potential molecule mechanisms have not been fully clarified. In this study, we found that miR-19a/b was directly involved in 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) induced MDR of GC cells. Mechanically, demethylation of miR-19a/b repressed methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) expression via direct binding at the 3'-untranslated regions, which then alleviated the inhibitory effects of MeCP2 on miR-19a/b expression. Thus, the mutual regulatory network sustains preservation of the expression levels of miR-19a/b. We further demonstrated that miR-19a/b expression was inversely correlated to MeCP2 expression in GC tissues. These data showed an intimate interplay among miR-19a/b methylation, MeCP2 activity, and MDR, revealing a potential therapeutic target for GC.

MeSH terms

  • Azacitidine / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple* / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm* / drug effects
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 / metabolism*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Stomach Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • MIRN19 microRNA, human
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2
  • MicroRNAs
  • Azacitidine