miR-181a targets GATA6 to inhibit the progression of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Aim: We sought to determine the function of miR-181a/GATA6 pathway in the progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Materials & methods: The expression of miR-181a and GATA6 were detected using quantitative real-time-PCR and western blotting in 127 LSCC samples and 32 corresponding control mucosa tissues. Cell death, migration and apoptosis were measured in Hep-2 cells using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), Transwell migration assay and apoptosis assay, respectively. The prognosis was determined by the follow-up, univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Results: We observed decreased miR-181a levels and increased GATA6 expression in LSCC samples compared with control mucosa tissues. Transfection of miR-181a decreased GATA6 expression, suppressed migration and promoted apoptosis in Hep-2 cells. Furthermore, silencing GATA6 suppressed cell migration and promoted apoptosis in Hep-2 cells. Notably, patients with high miR-181a levels had a longer life span. Conclusion: MiR-181a inhibits LSCC progression via suppressing GATA6 expression. MiR-181a is an independent prognostic factor in LSCC patients.