MiR-130 a inhibits cell proliferation and migration via targeting TGFA in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Background: MicroRNAs are important modulators for cell growth, invasion and metastasis and are involved in proliferation and migration of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we tried to investigate the role of miR-130a-TGFA axis in NSCLC cells. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-130a in NSCLC tissues and cells. Western blot was performed to examine the protein level of TGF-α. Cell proliferation and migration were detected by MTT assay and Transwell migration assay, respectively. The luciferase assay was conducted to confirm whether TGFA was a target of miR130a. A xenotransplanted tumor model of lung cancer cells was established through subcutaneously infected with A549 cells or H1299 cells. Results: Lower expression of miR-130a was observed in lung cancer tissues and cells compared to that in the corresponding controls. The expression of miR-130a in lung cancer tissues was negatively correlated with the expression of TGFA. MiR-130a overexpression suppressed the cell proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells. MiR-130a negatively regulated the expression of TGFA. TGFA knockdown reversed the effect of miR-130a inhibitors on cell proliferation and migration. In the xenotransplanted tumor model of lung cancer cells, miR-130a overexpression significantly suppressed the tumor growth. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the miR-130a-mediated TGFA gene silencing plays an important role in proliferation and migration of NSCLC, which might facilitate a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lung cancer progression.