miR-370 modulates insulin receptor substrate-1 expression and inhibits the tumor phenotypes of oral carcinoma

Background MicroRNAs play important roles in carcinogenesis. A preliminary screening study suggested that down-regulation of miR-370 occurs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue. Insulin receptor substratre-1 (IRS-1) is the substrate of insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR), which modulates AKT/mTOR activation in malignancies. The relationship between miR-370 and IRS-1, and their functional roles in OSCC pathogenesis are unclear. Materials and Methods Primary OSCC specimens were examined for miR-370 expression. Exogenous expression of miR-370 was established using both stable subclones and transient expression, and these were used to gain insights into miR-370's functions in OSCC cells. Knockdown of miR-370 and IRS-1 was also carried out in OSCC cells using a small interference oligonucleotide approach. Results Squamous cell carcinoma tissues with perineural invasion had lowered miR-370 expression compared with contrasting OSCC. OSCC cells also exhibited lower miR-370 expression than normal oral keratinocytes, and this can be reversed by treatment with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine. Exogenous miR-370 expression decreases the migration and anchorage-independent growth of OSCC cells, which implies a suppressor role for miR-370. The enhancement of anchorage-independent growth of OSCC cells through miR-370 inhibiting can be reduced by knockdown of IRS-1 expression. Conclusion This study concludes that miR-370 is able to target IRS-1 for oral tumorigenesis.