Targeting of miR‐31/96/182 to the Numb gene during head and neck oncogenesis

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study investigates whether miR‐31, miR‐96 , and miR‐182 are involved in targeting Numb during HNSCC. Methods The expression of miR‐31/96/182 in tumor tissues was analyzed. Reporter assay, knockdown, expression, and oncogenic analysis were carried out in cell lines. Results Upregulation of miR‐31/96/182 was detected in tumor tissues. In addition, advanced tumors showed higher expression levels of these miRNAs. The expression of these miRNAs was upregulated after treatment with areca ingredients ( P  < .01 or P  < .001). These miRNAs directly targeted the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) sequence of the Numb gene. An increased migration and invasion of HNSCC cells was associated with the exogenous expression of miR‐31/96/182 ( P  < .01 or P  < .001), and this was reverted by expression of Numb . Conclusion This study provides new evidence demonstrating that there is frequent and concordant upregulation of miR‐31, miR‐96 , and miR‐182 during HNSCC and these miRNAs co‐target Numb .