Regulation of VEGFA, KRAS, and NFE2L2 Oncogenes by MicroRNAs in Head and Neck Cancer

Author(s)

Cuzziol, Caroline Izak ; Marzochi, Ludimila Leite ; Possebon, Vitoria Scavacini ; Kawasaki-Oyama, Rosa Sayoko ; Mattos, Marlon Fraga ; Serafim Junior, Vilson ; Muniz Ferreira, Leticia Antunes ; Pavarino, Erika Cristina ; Urbanin Castanhole-Nunes, Marcia Maria ; Goloni-Bertollo, Eny Maria

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES; v. 23, n. 13, p. 12-pg., 2022-07-01.

Abstract

Mutations and alterations in the expression of VEGFA, KRAS, and NFE2L2 oncogenes play a key role in cancer initiation and progression. These genes are enrolled not only in cell proliferation control, but also in angiogenesis, drug resistance, metastasis, and survival of tumor cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding regulatory RNA molecules that can regulate post-transcriptional expression of multiple target genes. We aimed to investigate if miRNAs hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-140-5p, and hsa-miR-874-3p could interfere in VEGFA, KRAS, and NFE2L2 expression in cell lines derived from head and neck cancer (HNC). FADU (pharyngeal cancer) and HN13 (oral cavity cancer) cell lines were transfected with miR-17-5p, miR-140-5p, and miR-874-3p microRNA mimics. RNA and protein expression analyses revealed that miR-17-5p, miR-140-5p and miR-874-3p overexpression led to a downregulation of VEGFA, KRAS, and NFE2L2 gene expression in both cell lines analyzed. Taken together, our results provide evidence for the establishment of new biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of HNC. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/03209-1 - Expression and regulation of the gene kras in head and neck cancer through micrornas
• Grantee: Ludimila Leite Marzochi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 15/04403-8 - Evaluation of angiogenesis biomarkers in cancer development and response to treatment.
• Grantee: Eny Maria Goloni Bertollo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/26166-6 - Biomarkers and tumor stem cells in the treatment of head and neck cancer
• Grantee: Eny Maria Goloni Bertollo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants