The role of miR-27b-3p/HOXA10 axis in the pathogenesis of endometriosis

Background: To explore the effects of microRNA (miR)-27b-3p-mediated homeobox A10 (HOXA10) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of endometriosis cells (hEM15A). Methods: First, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed for the measurement of miR-27b-3p and HOXA10 expression in hEM15A cells and human embryonic stem cells (hESC). Then, the targeted relationship of miR-27b-3p with HOXA10 was verified by conducting a dual-luciferase reporter experiment. Subsequently, qPCR and western blot were performed to determine the effect of miR-27b-3p on HOXA10 expression. Finally, Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell, and scratch assays were employed to determine the effects of miR-27b-3p and HOXA10 on the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of hEM15A cells. Results: In hEM15A cells, miR-27b-3p expression was increased and showed a negative correlation with the expression of HOXA10 (P<0.05). The dual-luciferase reporter experiment confirmed that miR-27b-3p targeted the HOXA10 gene. Furthermore, qPCR and western blotting showed that miR-27b-3p regulated the expression of HOXA10. The proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of hEM15A cells was significantly inhibited by suppressing miR-27b-3p expression or overexpressing HOXA10 (P<0.05). Meanwhile, concurrent overexpression of miR-27b-3p and HOXA10 did not affect hEM15A cell activity (P>0.05). Conclusions: Upregulation of miR-27b-3p can suppress HOXA10 expression, resulting in the enhancement of hEM15A cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.