MiR-223 promotes trophoblast cell survival and invasion by targeting STAT3 in preeclampsia

Increasing evidence indicated that the dysregulation of trophoblast cell proliferation and invasion might play a central role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. MicroRNAs (miRs) are critical in the regulation of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and a reduction or increase in the expression of certain miRs can mediate the proliferative and invasive activities of trophoblast cells. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanism of miR-223 on the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells. Real time PCR results showed that the expression of miR-223 was significantly down-regulated whereas STAT3 was high expression in preeclamptic patients. MiR-223 mimics markedly promoted trophoblast cell survival, proliferation and invasion, while inhibition of miR-223 expression has been shown to impede trophoblast cell survival, proliferation and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was confirmed that STAT3 is a direct target for miR-223, and miR-223 mimics strikingly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of STAT3. Overexpression of STAT3 reversed the proliferation and invasion promoting effect of miR-223 in JEG-3 cells. These findings emphasized the essential role of miR-223 and opened new avenues and provide a mew target for diagnosis and treatment for preeclampsia.