MiR-761 Promotes Progression and Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Targeting ING4 and TIMP2

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of microRNA miR-761 in the progression and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the mechanisms by which miR-761 regulates cell proliferation and metastatic activity of NSCLC cell lines. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to assess miR-761 expression in NSCLC serum and tissue. MTT, wound healing, and transwell assays were performed to examine the role of miR-761 in regulation of cell proliferation and metastatic activity in NSCLC cell lines. In addition, the correlations of miR-761 expression with clinical-pathologic factors were statistically analyzed. Finally, we investigated whether miR-761 promotes proliferation and metastasis in NSCLC cell lines by targeting ING4 (inhibitor of growth family, member 4) and TIMP2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2). Results: MiR-761 was significantly upregulated in both NSCLC serum and tissues as compared to normal participants and paired noncancerous tissues respectively. Ectopic expression of miR-761 promoted cell proliferation and metastasis in H460 cells, while miR-761 inhibitor reduced proliferation rates and metastasis in H23 cells. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay and functional analyses indicated that miR-761 directly targeted ING4 and TIMP2. Conclusion: miR-761 promotes progression and metastasis of NSCLC by targeting ING4 and TIMP2.