Open AccessNovel Regulation of MicroRNAs in Nasal Epithelial Cancer
Author(s) -
Wang Weihua,
Upadhyay Daya,
Le Wei,
Hwang Peter H.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599811416318a49
Subject(s) - microrna , apoptosis , nasopharyngeal carcinoma , cancer research , cancer , cell cycle , biology , suppressor , oncomir , viability assay , cancer cell , immunology , medicine , gene , radiation therapy , genetics
Objective Accumulating studies show the role of microRNAs in multiple human cancers. However, little is known about the role of microRNAs in nasopharyngeal cancers (NPC). Given the role of microRNAs in survival and death pathways in cancers, we hypothesized that the microRNAs may regulate the effects of cancer therapeutic agents. Method Tumor specific MicroRNA expressions were studied in vitro in primary human NC cells (CCL‐30) treated with statins. The effects on cell survival, cell cycle, and apoptosis were examined. Results Recently, we showed the promising antitumor effects of statins in NPC via HMG Co‐A pathway. Our new study examines the novel role of microRNAs in mediating the effects of statin in the inhibition of survival in NPC. Statins induced apoptosis and decreased survival of NPC. The regulation of tumor suppressor Let‐7a was enhanced in cells treated with statins associated with decrease in the cell viability and proliferation, and increase in apoptosis in these cells. Further, we found that the miR‐21 and miR‐155 played a role in the regulation of apoptotic pathways in NPC. Conclusion Tumor‐specific microRNAs, Let‐7a, miR‐21, and miR‐155 play a role in the regulation of the disease process and the effects of cancer therapeutic agents in NPC.