MiR-153-5p has effects on cell proliferation and invasion and is critical for prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate a variety of cellular processes by regulating multiple targets, which promote or inhibit the development of malignant behaviors. Accumulating evidence suggests that miR-153-5p plays important roles in human carcinogenesis. This study was designed to explore the role of miR-153-5p inesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: MicroRNA profiles were obtained by miRNA microarray and then validated byquantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in healthy individuals and ESCC patients. Associations of miR-153-5p with Wilms' tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1) were assessed by Pearson correlation. In vitro, the biological function of miR-153-5p was examined by Transwell assay, and Western blot in TE-1 cells transfected with miRNA mimics or the empty vector. The miR-153-5p target was validated by a luciferase reporter assay, RT-PCR and Western blot. Results: MiRNA microarray revealed 25 aberrant miRNAs in serum samples from ESCC patients, including miR-153-5p which was significantly decreased (P<0.01); miR-153-5p was expressed at lower levels in patients with aggressive tumors (P<0.01). In addition, WT1 mRNA amounts, which were higher (P<0.01) in ESCC than in healthy individuals, were negatively correlated with miR-153-5p levels (r=-0.5983, P<0.001). Moreover, miR153-5p inhibited the proliferation and invasion abilities of TE-1 cells (P<0.01). Finally, the luciferase activity of the WT1-3 '-UTR plasmid was suppressed after miR-153-5p binding (P<0.05). Conclusion: MiR-153-5p is downregulated in patients with ESCC, and plays a critical role in the diagnosis and severity evaluation. In agreement, miR-153-5p inhibits TE-1 cell proliferation and invasion by downregulating WT1.