MicroRNA-182 promotes pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and migration by targeting β-TrCP2.

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy. The median survival rate remains low, indicating that the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets is critical. Here, we examined the role of microRNA-182 (miR-182) in pancreatic cancer development. Analysis of human pancreatic cancer specimens and cell lines showed that miR-182 is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and promotes tumor proliferation and invasion. β-TrCP2 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-182. Silencing of β-TrCP2 increased the levels of β-catenin, which is similar to miR-182 overexpression. Ectopic expression of β-TrCP2 inhibited the miR-182-induced activation of β-catenin signaling. The oncogenic effect of miR-182 and its reversal by β-TrCP2 were confirmed in vivo This study suggests that β-TrCP and miR-182 may be possible biomarkers and targets for early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.