Research on Biological Molecular Mechanism of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) Through miR-34a

Abstract

This study aims to assess the action of miR-34a on MSCs homing onto OSCC. Sixty cases of tissue sample in OSCC was analyzed retrospectively and thirty of normal oral tissue was included as a control group. miR-34a expression in OSCC was detected by qRT-PCR. The relation of expression with OSCC was analyzed. The independent risk factor in the life time of OSCC was studied. pc-DNA-miR-34a and si-miR-34a was transfected into MSCs to analyze its action on MSCs homing onto OSCC by CCK-8 and clone formation assays as well as on cell apoptosis by flow cytometry. The level of miR-34a in patients with OSCC was significantly elevated and was associated with overall survival and prognosis. The FIGO staging and miR-34a expression was the independent risk factor of DFS and OS of patients with OSCC. The cell activity and homing capacity of MSCs was reduced significantly after knock-down of miR-34a expression along with increased apoptotic cell rate. In addition, the miR-34a could prompt the MSC homing onto OSCC. In conclusion, miR-34a level was up-regulated significantly in OSCC and associated with the prognosis, indicating that it might be a novel target for the treatment of OSCC.