MiR‑148a modulates HLA‑G expression and influences tumor apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Chen,Quan; Luo,Guanghua; Zhang,Xiaoying

doi:10.3892/etm.2017.5058

MiR‑148a modulates HLA‑G expression and influences tumor apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Authors:
- Quan Chen
- Guanghua Luo
- Xiaoying Zhang
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Affiliations: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China, Comprehensive Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
Published online on: August 28, 2017 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.5058
Pages: 4448-4452

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Abstract

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common malignant tumor type, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) accounts for the majority of EC cases. Previous studies have reported that microRNA (miR)‑148a is downregulated in patients with recurrent EC. The human leukocyte antigen‑G (HLA‑G) is expressed to a high level in primary ESCC tissues and is associated with prognosis. A previous luciferase assay indicated that HLA‑G is a target of miR‑148a regulation. The aim of the current study was to investigate the expression level of miR‑148a in primary ESCC. The regulatory role of miR‑148a in HLA‑G expression and cell proliferation in ESCC cells was also investigated. The relative expression level of miR‑148a was compared between ESCC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. The human ESCC cell line EC9706 was transfected with miR‑148a mimic, non‑homologous RNA duplex (negative control; NC) or empty vector (blank control; BC). Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to assess the level of HLA‑G expression. The cells were stained with Annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide and cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. The level of miR‑148a expression was significantly lower in primary ESCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (P<0.01). In EC9706 cells transfected with miR‑148a mimic, the rate of apoptosis was increased ~13‑fold when compared with BC cells (P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA level of HLA‑G was significantly reduced in cells transfected with miR‑148a mimic (P<0.01). The protein levels of HLA‑G were also notably decreased. Transfection with non‑homologous RNA duplex did not influence the rate of cell apoptosis or expression of HLA‑G when compared with the BC group. In conclusion, miR‑148a was indicated to be involved in carcinogenesis in primary ESCC through the regulation of HLA‑G expression. The current results suggest that miR‑148a is a potential biomarker of ESCC.

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