MiR-876-5p suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition of lung cancer by directly down-regulating bone morphogenetic protein 4

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death throughout the world. We aimed to investigate the role of a novel microRNA-876-5p and its potential molecular target bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4), in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung cancer. Expressions of microRNA-876-5p and its potential target BMP-4 were analysed in lung cancer cells and patient tissues. Luciferase activity assay was conducted to verify direct targeting of microRNA-876-5p to the 3′-UTR of BMP-4 mRNA. Migration, invasion capacities of lung cancer cells expressing microRNA-876-5p were analysed, and characteristics of lung cancer EMT protein markers were also evaluated. A xenograft tumour mouse model was established to address the roles of microRNA-876-5p and BMP-4 in lung cancer EMT in vivo. MicroRNA-876-5p was decreased while BMP-4 was increased in lung cancer cells and tissues. MicroRNA-876-5p directly targeted 3′-UTR of BMP-4 mRNA to inhibit its expression. MicroRNA-876-5p expression significantly inhibited the migration, invasion and EMT of lung cancer cells in vitro, as well as metastasis in vivo, which required BMP-4 expression. MicroRNA-876-5p suppresses EMT of lung cancer by directly down-regulating BMP-4, both of which could serve as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung cancer.