Lymph node or perineural invasion is associated with low miR-15a, miR-34c and miR-199b levels in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Author(s)

Sousa, Lucas O. ; Sobral, Lays M. ; Matsumoto, Camila S. ; Saggioro, Fabiano P. ; Lopez, Rossana V. M. ; Panepucci, Rodrigo A. ; Curti, Carlos ; Silva, Jr., Wilson A. ; Greene, Lewis J. ; Leopoldino, Andreia M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BBA CLINICAL; v. 6, p. 159-164, DEC 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are post-transcriptional regulators of eukaryotic cells and knowledge of differences in miR levels may provide new approaches to diagnosis and therapy. Methods: The present study measured the levels of nine miRs in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and determined whether clinical pathological features are associated with differences in miR levels. SET (I2PP2A) and PTEN protein levels were also measured, since their levels can be regulated by miR-199b and miR-21, respectively. Nine miRs (miR-15a, miR-21, miR-29b, miR-34c, miR-100, miR-125b, miR-137, miR133b and miR-199b) were measured by real time qRT-PCR in HNSCC samples from 32 patients and eight resection margins. SET (I2PP2A) and PTEN protein levels were estimated by immunohistochemistry in paired HNSCC tissues and their matched resection margins. Results: In HNSCC, the presence of lymph node invasion was associated with low miR-15a, miR-34c and miR-199b levels, whereas the presence of perineural invasion was associated with low miR-199b levels. In addition, miR-21 levels were high whereas miR-100 and miR-125b levels were low in HNSCC compared to the resection margins. When HNSCC line HN12, with or without knockdown of SET, were transfected with miR-34c inhibitor or miR-34cmimic, the miR-34c inhibitor increased cell invasion capacity while miR-34cmimic decreased the cell invasion. Conclusions: We showed that the levels of specific miRs in tumor tissue can provide insight into the maintenance and progression of HNSCC. General significance: MiRNAs are up-or down-regulated during cancer development and progression; they can be prognosis markers and therapeutic targets in HNSCC. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/08135-2 - CTC - Center for Cell-Based Therapy
• Grantee: Dimas Tadeu Covas
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC