MiR-449b-5p Regulates the Proliferation and Migration of Cervical Cancer Cells by Targeting Forkhead Box Protein P1 (FOXP1)

Abstract

This study intends to assess miR-449b-5p’s effect on cervical cancer (CC) cells and its mechanism. After transfection of miR-449b-5p mimics, inhibitor, si-Foxp1 and negative control, CC cell viability was analyzed by MTT along with analysis of migration and invasion by transwell and scratch test, and Foxp1 protein level by Western blot. CC cells presented a significantly higher miR-449b-5p level and lower Foxp1 level in relative to normal cervical cells. miR-449b-5p mimic transfection significantly promoted CC cell viability, migration and invasion and decreased Foxp1 expression. However, all the above changes were significantly reversed after treatment with si-Foxp1. In conclusion, miR-449b-5p level is elevated in CC cells and its overexpression promotes the biological behaviors of CC cells possibly through targeting Foxp1, indicating that it might be a new target for the treatment of CC.