MiR-494 acts as a tumor promoter by targeting CASP2 in non-small cell lung cancer.

ABSTRACT: MiR-494 plays an important role in several types of human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although the role of miR-494 has been investigated in several studies, the expression profile and underlying mechanism are still poorly understood. In this study, we found that overexpression of miR-494 promoted the proliferation and colony formation of NSCLC cells and reduced their sensitivity to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. By using microarray and Dual luciferase reporter assays, we further showed that caspase-2 (CASP2) is a functional target of miR-494, and the expression of CASP2 is inversely associated with miR-494 in vitro. In addition, miR-494 promoted the proliferation and colony formation of NSCLC cells and reduced their sensitivity to cisplatin-induced apoptosis by targeting CASP2. Therefore, our results suggest that miR-494 plays an oncomiR role in NSCLC cells and may be a candidate biomarker for malignant transformation and a therapeutic target of NSCLC.

SUBMITTER: Zhang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6395740 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature