Dysregulation of microRNA-425 (miR-425) has been reported in several human cancers. However, the role of miR-425 in human cervical cancer via modulation of RAB2B expression is still unclear. This study was therefore designed to examine the expression and decipher the role of miR-425 in cervical cancer. The qRT-PCR was used for expression analysis. MTT and EdU assays were used for the determination of cell viability and proliferation, respectively. Annexin V/PI staining was used to detect apoptosis. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to monitor cell migration and invasion. Western blotting was used for protein expression analysis. The in vivo study was performed in xenografted mice model. The results of the present study revealed miR-425 to be significantly (P = 0.032) down-regulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Additionally, low expression of miR-425 was associated with significantly (P = 0.035) lower survival rate of the cervical cancer patients. Overexpression of miR-425 resulted in significant (P = 0.024) decline of cervical cancer cell proliferation via induction of apoptosis. The induction of apoptosis was associated with up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Besides, the migration and invasion of cancer cells significantly (P < 0.01) decreased under miR-425 overexpression. Additionally, miR-425 could inhibit the growth of xenografted tumors in vivo. In silico analysis and dual luciferase assay revealed RAB2B as the direct target of miR-425 in cervical cancer. RAB2B was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines and miR-425 overexpression suppressed the expression of RAB2B. Additionally, silencing of RAB2B could suppress the growth of cervical cancer cells but its overexpression could rescue the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-425. Taken together, the results revealed the tumor-suppressive roe of miR-425 and point towards its therapeutic potential in the management of cervical cancer.
Keywords: RAB2B; apoptosis; cervical cancer; metastasis; micro-RNA; xenograft mice.