IRAK 1 and TRAF 6 , inversely modulated by antitumor miR-146 a-5 p , markedly promotes the progression of NSCLC

MiR-146a-5p was proved to play significant roles in both tumorigenesis and development of diverse neoplasms, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the current research, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were applied to verify the correlation of miR-146a-5p and IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) or TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) at the tissue level. Besides, colorimetric tetrazolium (MTS) assay, fluorimetric resorufin viability assay, Hoechst 33342/PI double staining assay and caspase-3/7 activity assay were performed to research the effect of miR-146a-5p and IRAK1 or TRAF6 on cell growth and apoptosis at the cellular level. Meanwhile, Western blot was applied to detect IRAK1 and TRAF6 protein expression in NSCLC cells. And dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to demonstrate whether miR-146a-5p could directly target 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of IRAK1 and TRAF6. In conclusion, we identify that miR-146a-5p could act as an underlying tumor suppressor in NSCLC. Also, miR-146a-5p could down-regulate the IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression, leading to inhibition of proliferation and increased apoptosis of NSCLC cells. The effect of miR-146a-5p and its targets on the proliferation and apoptosis of NSCLC cells could provide new information in the target therapy of NSCLC.