The proliferation of cervical cancer is promoted by miRNA-125b through the regulation of the HMGA1

Background: It has been reported that miRNA-125b is associated with carcinogenesis and development of several different kinds of cancers. Nevertheless, there is no clarity regarding the significance and mechanism of action of miR-125b in clinical practice for cervical cancer (CC).

Materials and methods: In the current investigation, the expression of miR-125b in cervical clinical specimens and CC cell lines was analyzed via real-time quantitative PCR, and the relationship of miR-125b with the chromatin-associated protein high mobility group A (HMGA1) expression and clinicopathological parameters of CC patients was explored.

Results: The results indicated that miR-125b expression was remarkably upregulated in CC cell lines as well as in the tissues of humans. miR-125b overexpression was significantly related to a decrease in HMGA1 expression, progression-free survival, overall survival, and prognosis as well. Besides, knockdown of miR-125b inhibited proliferation and colony formation in SW756 and C4-1 cells, where the 3'-UTR of HMGA1 mRNA was directly targeted. Moreover, PI3K/Akt pathway was regulated by miR-125b through suppression of HMGA1.

Conclusion: These findings illustrated that a new regulatory role of HMGA1 is involved in the progression of CC. Our data demonstrated that miR-125b could play a critical role in the carcinogenesis and progression of CC, revealing that miR-125b might serve as a potential new target for treating CC.