MiR-189 Exerts Anticancer Activity Through Janus Kinase 2/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) Pathway in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a threat to human health but its etiology remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in NSCLC progression. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by how exosomal miR-189 functions in NSCLC. After identification, BMSCs were co-cultured with NSCLC cells which were then transfected with miR-189 mimics followed by analysis of the expression of JAK2/Stat3 proteins and miR-189, cell migration and invasion by Transwell assay, cell viability by MTT assay, apoptosis by flow cytometry. miR-189 is downregulated in NSCLC cells and tissues. miR-189 overexpression inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2/Stat3 and suppressed malignant characteristics of cancer cells and induced apoptosis. Co-culture with BMSCs and NSCLC cells elevated miR-189 level and inactivated JAK2/STAT3 signaling, thereby suppressing malignant characteristics of cancer cells. In conclusion, BMSCs carrying miR-189 restrain NSCLC progression by blocking JAK2/STAT3 signaling, which may help development of gene therapy for NSCLC.