miR-199a-5p inhibits malignant progression and enhances cisplatin sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by targeting SLC1A5.

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is increasing, and the mortality of patients with cisplatin resistance is high. In this study, we aimed to elucidate several potential mechanisms of miR-199a-5p in regulating the progression and cisplatin resistance of NPC.

METHODS

Relevant datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to verify miR-199a-5p expression in NPC. The miR-199a-5p level was evaluated by RT-qPCR, and the prognostic significance was analyzed by K-M curve. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were detected in vitro. The contents of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) protein, apoptosis protein and SLC1A5 protein were detected by Western immunoblotting. DLR assay elucidated that miR-199a-5p targets SLC1A5. The effect of miR-199a-5p on subcutaneous tumor in nude mice was detected in vivo.

RESULTS

We found that miR-199a-5p was differentially expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and patients with high expression showed good prognosis. It was also found to be associated with cisplatin resistance and showed low expression in HNE1/DDP cells. The up-regulation of miR-199a-5p can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of NPC cells, and enhance cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be achieved by targeting SLC1A5.

CONCLUSION

The high expression of miR-199a-5p can inhibit SLC1A5 and thus the progression of NPC. At the same time, the high expression of miR-199a-5p can increase the sensitivity of NPC to cisplatin.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.