microRNA-100 functions as a tumor suppressor in non-small cell lung cancer via regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Wnt/β-catenin by targeting HOXA1

Background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading subtype in lung cancer, with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. microRNA (miRNA) has appeared to play indispensable roles in a variety of solid carcinomas. The current study focused on the functions of miR-100 in NSCLC. Methods qRT-PCR was performed to detect miR-100 and HOXA1 expressions in NSCLC tissues and cells. MTT and transwell assays were used to determine the functions of miR-100 in NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration abilities. Western blot was used to measure related protein expressions. Results qRT-PCR results showed that miR-100 expressions were dramatically decreased in NSCLC tissues. MTT assays indicated that miR-100 restoration inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation. Furthermore, transwell assay was performed to determine the impacts of miR-100 on NSCLC invasion and migration abilities. As expected, the invasion and migration capacities were significantly repressed. Direct interactions between HOXA1 and miR-100 were also verified via dual-luciferase reporter assays. Western blot analysis demonstrated that miR-100 exerted suppressive functions via regulating EMT and Wnt/beta-catenin in NSCLC cells. Conclusions Our results showed that miR-100 served antitumor roles in NSCLC, providing new evidence of miR-100 as a promising therapeutic biomarker in NSCLC.