MiR-875-5p suppresses cervical cancer cell proliferation and metastasis via negative regulation of EGFR

• Published in: Tropical journal of pharmaceutical research Vol. 20; no. 5; pp. 939 - 946
• Main Authors: Liang, Hua, Zhao, Yuzi, Pi, Jie, Luo, Ruoyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.05.2021
• ISSN: 1596-5996; 1596-9827
• DOI: 10.4314/tjpr.v20i5.8

Purpose: To explore miRNA-875-5p and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activities in tissues or cells from cervical cancer, and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Tissues were obtained from cervical cancer patients and their miR-875-5p expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Caski or HeLa cells were transfected with miR-875-5p mimics or miR-875-5p inhibitor to assess the effect of miR-875- 5p expression on cell viability, cell cycle, migration, and invasion using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Potential target genes of miR-875-5p were predicted and verified using a dual luciferase reporter assay. In addition, EGFR expression was evaluated by western blot. Results: MicroRNA-875-5p was expressed at low levels in cervical cancer tissues and was related to FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, pathological grade, vascular involvement, and deep stromal invasion in patients with cervical cancer. MicroRNA-875-5p overexpression inhibited cell viability, migration, and invasion, and caused G0/G1 phase block of Caski and HeLa cells. Moreover, EGFR was the target gene of miR-875-5p and was negatively regulated by miR-875-5p. Reductions in cell viability, migration, invasion, and the number of G0/G1-phase cells were inhibited by EGFR overexpression. Conclusion: MiR-875-5p suppresses cervical cancer cell growth and metastasis by negatively regulating EGFR. Therefore, miR-875-5p can potentially be exploited for the management of cervical cancer.