Methylation-mediated silencing of miR-125a-5p facilitates breast cancer progression by inducing autophagy

Background microRNA-125a-5p (miR-125a) is a tumor suppressor gene whose role in autophagy remains poorly understood. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the methylation status of miR-125a, its transfection into SK-BR3 cells, and its effects on autophagy. Methods Sixty samples of tumor and non-tumor adjacent tissue were collected and the methylation status of miR-125a was evaluated by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The effect of 5-Aza-dC on miR-125a expression was investigated in the SK-BR3 cells. Cells were also transfected with miR-125a mimic/antimiR. The expression of miR-125a and its target genes was evaluated by Real-Time PCR. Protein levels of ATG5 and LC3 were assessed by Western blotting. HER2 expression was investigated by immunocytochemistry (ICC). Results The data showed that the miR-125a promoter CpG Island was significantly hypermethylated in breast cancer tissues (p < 0.01) and in SK-BR3 cells. The 5-Aza-dC could significantly increase miR-125a expression by decreasing its methylation (p < 0.05). In addition, Western blot analysis indicated the expression of ATG5 and LC3 II/ LC3I, as autophagy biomarkers, was significantly reduced in SK-BR3 cells transfected with miR-125a (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our data showed miR-125a expression was significantly decreased in tumor tissues due to its promoter hypermethylation. Overexpression of miR-125a was associated with a reduction in autophagy, which could provide a new therapeutic avenue for advanced-stage breast cancer treatment.