miR-96 exerts an oncogenic role in the progression of cervical cancer by targeting CAV-1

摘要

Cervical cancer is the 4th most common malignant tumor type affecting women worldwide; however, its molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Previous studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRs) serve crucial roles in the cellular functions of tumors. miR-96 is involved in the tumorigenesis of many cancer types. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role and mechanism of miR-96 in the progression of cervical cancer. The present results suggested that overexpression of miR-96 significantly enhanced the proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of cervical cancer cells, while inhibiting miR-96 had the opposite effects. Additionally, activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was enhanced by miR-96 overexpression, while it was inhibited by the miR-96 inhibitor. Moreover, it was identified that miR-96 may directly target caveolin-1 (CAV-1) to decrease its expression level. Furthermore, overexpression of CAV-1 could reverse the increase in cell proliferation, migration and invasion induced by miR-96, as well as the upregulation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present results suggested that miR-96 may have an oncogenic role in the progression of cervical cancer by targeting CAV-1. Therefore, miR-96 may be a potential target for cervical cancer therapy.