miR-320 regulates tumor angiogenesis driven by vascular endothelial cells in oral cancer by silencing neuropilin 1

Angiogenesis. 2014 Jan;17(1):247-60. doi: 10.1007/s10456-013-9394-1. Epub 2013 Oct 10.

Abstract

Tumor angiogenesis is a critical process during cancer progression that modulates tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we identified an anti-angiogenic microRNA, miR-320, which is decreased in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines and tumor tissues from OSCC patients, down-regulated in blood vessels and inversely correlated with vascularity in OSCC tissues. Neuropilin 1 (NRP1), an important regulator of angiogenesis, was found to be a target of miR-320. The 3'-untranslated region of NRP1 mRNA contains multiple miR-320 binding sites, and its expression was regulated by miR-320. By administering either miR-320 precursor or antagonist, we found that miR-320 suppressed the migration, adhesion and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells. Knockdown of NRP1 abolished antagomiR-320-induced cell migration. Additionally, miR-320 expression was regulated by hypoxia in growth factor-deficient conditions by the hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha. Furthermore, lentivirus carrying the miR-320 precursor suppressed the tumorigenicity of OSCC cells and tumor angiogenesis in vivo. Taken together, these data show that miR-320 regulates the function of vascular endothelial cells by targeting NRP1 and has the potential to be developed as an anti-angiogenic or anti-cancer drug.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / blood supply
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Gene Silencing*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / blood supply
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Neuropilin-1 / biosynthesis*
  • Neuropilin-1 / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • RNA, Neoplasm / metabolism*

Substances

  • MIRN320 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Neoplasm
  • Neuropilin-1