MiR-101 functions as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting nemo-like kinase in liver cancer

Cancer Lett. 2014 Mar 28;344(2):204-11. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.10.030. Epub 2013 Nov 1.

Abstract

Nemo-like kinase (NLK), an evolutionarily conserved MAP kinase-related kinase, has been reported to be involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the underlying mechanisms leading to oncogenic NLK are poorly understood. A comprehensive microRNA (miRNA) profiling analysis on human HCC tissues identified four downregulated miRNAs that may target NLK. Ectopic expression of miRNA mimics suggested that miR-101 could suppress NLK in HCC cells. Notably, ectopic miR-101 expression repressed cancer cell growth and proliferation and imitated NLK knockdown effect on HCC cells. In conclusion, we suggest that miR-101 functions as a tumor suppressor by regulating abnormal NLK activity in liver.

Keywords: Liver cancer; MiR-101; NLK; Tumor suppressor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Down-Regulation
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Humans
  • I-kappa B Kinase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • I-kappa B Kinase / genetics*
  • I-kappa B Kinase / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Transfection

Substances

  • IKBKG protein, human
  • MIRN101 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • I-kappa B Kinase