Overexpression of micro ribonucleic acid-591 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer refractory to current therapies. Reduced expression of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-591 in a range of cancer types has suggested it is a potent tumor suppressor, and overexpression has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth. The role of miR-591 in MPM is largely unknown.

Methods: miR-591 was over-expressed in vitro using micro RNA mimics in three MPM cell lines (H513, H2052, H2373), and effects on tumor cell growth, proliferation, invasion, and target gene expression were assessed.

Results: miR-591 mimic was introduced into MPM cell lines to overexpress this microRNA. The cellular growth, proliferation, and invasive capability was significantly inhibited after overexpression of miR-591. Growth inhibition caused by miR-591 correlated with upregulation of p21 and Bax. Reduced invasive capability correlated with downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and transforming growth factor-β1.

Conclusion: miR-591 is a potent tumor suppressor in MPM. Overexpression of miR-591 may represent a novel therapeutic approach for MPM.