The role of miRNA-571 and miRNA-559 in lung cancer by affecting the expression of genes associated with the ErbB signaling pathway

Abstract

BackgroundAbnormal expression and activity of the ErbB pathway has been revealed in many cancers, such as lung cancer. The inappropriate activity of EGFR, MAPK1 and PAK2 receptors play an important role in cancer progression. MiRNAs are small non-protein encoding RNAs that act as negative endogenous regulators in various diseases. In this study, our aim was to investigate the effects of miR-571 and miR-559 on the expression of EGFR, MAPK1 and PAK2 genes related to the ErbB signaling pathway. MethodsAfter culture of A549 lung cancer cells, miRNAs were transfected into cells by lipofectamine and incubated for 24, 48 and 72 h. Expression of EGFR, MAPK1 and PAK2 genes was analyzed using quantitative real time PCR (RT-qPCR). ResultsThe effect of miR-571 was significant after 48 h of incubation of A549 cells. The expression of EGFR, MAPK1 and PAK2 genes was decreased by 2.2 fold (p < 0.001), 3.5 fold (p < 0.0001) and 2.4 fold (p < 0.0001), respectively. After 72 h of incubation, the expression of PAK2 gene was significantly decreased (p = 0.003). Moreover, the miR-559 had not significant effect on the expression of genes after 24, 48 and 72 h. ConclusionInhibition of the ErbB signaling pathway by targeting the expression of EGFR, MAPK1, PAK2 by miR-571 can be an important advance in the targeted treatment of lung cancer. High expression of miR-571 could significantly inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Due to the irregular activity of the ErbB pathway in many cancers, the results of this study can be used as a therapeutic line for other cancers.