MicroRNA-375 inhibits the growth, drug sensitivity and metastasis of human ovarian cancer cells by targeting PAX2.

PURPOSE: Ovarian cancer is responsible for a significant number of deaths in women and there is urgent need to develop efficient treatment strategies for this disease. Studies have shown microRNAs (miRs) are involved in diverse cellular processes and exhibit therapeutic implications. Herein, the role of miR-375 in ovarian cancer was explored. METHODS: OVACAR-3 cell line was mainly used in this research. Expression analysis was performed by qRT-PCR. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by flow cytometry. Transwell assay was used for cell migration and invasion. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression. RESULTS: Gene expression analysis carried out by qRT-PCR of ovarian cancer cell lines and tissues revealed significant downregulation of miR-375. Ectopic expression of miR-375 halted the growth of the OVACAR-3 cells by triggering G2/M cell cycle arrest. Moreover, miR-375 also caused a significant decrease in the migratory and invasive potential of the OAVACAR-3 cells and enhanced their chemosensitivity to cisplatin. Bioinformatic analysis and the dual luciferase showed that miR-375 targets PAX2 in OVACAR-3 cells. Suppression of PAX2 inhibits the growth of the OVACAR-3 cells while PAX2 overexpression could avoid the growth inhibitory effects of miR-375 in OVACAR-3 cells. CONCLUSION: miR-375 may prove to be an important therapeutic target in ovarian cancer and warrants further research endeavors.