MicroRNA-769-3p Acts as a Prognostic Factor in Oral Squamous Cell Cancer by Modulating Stromal Genes

miR-769-3p expression is suppressed in the stromal subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, its role in stromal HNSCC has not been fully elucidated. To investigate the biological relevance of miR-769-3p in the stromal phenotype, we established oral squamous cell cancer (OSC...

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Main Authors: Heejin Lee, Sang Hoon Chun, Seo Yun Moon, Jung-Sook Yoon, Hye Sung Won, Soon Auck Hong, Seo Ree Kim, Kwang-Jae Cho, Keunsoo Kang, Sieun Lee, Young-Ho Ahn, Ji Hyung Hong, Yoon Ho Ko
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-09-01
Series:Cancers
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/14/18/4373
Description
Summary:miR-769-3p expression is suppressed in the stromal subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, its role in stromal HNSCC has not been fully elucidated. To investigate the biological relevance of miR-769-3p in the stromal phenotype, we established oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) cell lines, namely CAL27, HSC3, and YD8, overexpressing miR-769-3p. miR-769-3p expression was positively and negatively correlated with interferon-gamma-related genes and MYC target gene sets, respectively. miR-769-3p decreased OSCC cell migration and invasion as well as mesenchymal marker expression and increased epithelial marker expression. Moreover, miR-769-3p enhanced OSCC cell sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil. High miR-769-3p expression was associated with good prognosis of HNSCC patients. Collectively, these results suggest that miR-769-3p suppression enhances stromal gene expression and promotes the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, miR-769-3p may be a potential biomarker of the miRNA phenotype in OSCC patients.
ISSN:2072-6694