MicroRNA-144 regulates proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of cells in malignant solitary pulmonary nodule via zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1

Aims: This study was to investigate the expression of microRNA (miR)-144 in malignant solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) tissues and peripheral blood, as well as the biological function of miR-144 in the occurrence and development of lung cancer. Methods: In this study, 39 malignant and 30 benign SPN patients were included. The expression of miR-144 was examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the clinical value of miR-144 in the early diagnosis of malignant SPN. MTT assay was performed to determine A549 cell proliferation and Transwell assay was used to detect changes in A549 cell invasion and migration ability. Flow cytometry was performed to monitor cell apoptosis, while Western blotting assay was used to measure protein expression levels. At last, dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to test whether miR-144 regulates zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) gene expression. Results: Expression of miR-144 was reduced in patients with malignant SPN. miR-144 had diagnostic value for malignant SPN. Proliferation of A549 cells was inhibited by miR-144. Invasion ability of A549 cells was reduced by miR-144. Apoptosis of A549 cells was promoted by miR-144. miR-144 induced A549 cell apoptosis by targeting ZEB1 protein. miR-144 regulated the expression of ZEB1 by interacting with its 3’-UTR region. Conclusions: Expression of miR-144 is reduced in malignant SPN tissues and peripheral blood, being of clinical value in the diagnosis of malignant SPN. miR-144 promotes the apoptosis of lung cancer cells, and inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of lung cancer by regulating ZEB1 gene.