MicroRNA-1826 targets VEGFC, beta-catenin (CTNNB1) and MEK1 (MAP2K1) in human bladder cancer

Carcinogenesis. 2012 Jan;33(1):41-8. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgr239. Epub 2011 Nov 1.

Abstract

The Wnt/beta-catenin (CTNNB1) and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway play an important role in bladder cancer (BC) progression. Tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting these cancer pathways may provide a new therapeutic approach for BC. We initially identified miRNA-1826 potentially targeting CTNNB1, VEGFC and MEK1 using several target scan algorithms. Also 3' untranslated region luciferase activity and protein expression of these target genes were significantly downregulated in miR-1826-transfected BC cells (J82 and T24). The expression of miR-1826 was lower in BC tissues and inverse correlation of miR-1826 with several clinical parameters (pT, grade) was observed. Also the expression of miR-1826 was much lower in three BC cell lines (J82, T24 and TCCSUP) compared with a normal bladder cell line (SV-HUC-1). We then performed analyses to look at miR-1826 function and found that miR-1826 inhibited BC cell viability, invasion and migration. We also found increased apoptosis and G(1) cell cycle arrest in miR-1826-transfected BC cells. To examine whether the effect of miR-1826 was through CTNNB1 (beta-catenin) or MEK1 knockdown, we knocked down CTNNB1/MEK1 messenger RNA using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique. We observed that CTNNB1 or MEK1 siRNA knockdown resulted in effects similar to those with miR-1826 in BC cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that the miR-1826 plays an important role as tumor suppressor via CTNNB1/MEK1/VEGFC downregulation in BC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Survival
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 1 / genetics
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transfection
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / genetics
  • beta Catenin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • beta Catenin / genetics

Substances

  • CTNNB1 protein, human
  • MIRN1826 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
  • beta Catenin
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 1
  • MAP2K1 protein, human