miR-198 Targets MAPK1 to Regulate Proliferation, Apoptosis and Invasion of Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of miR-198 on the proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of cervical cancer cells.

Methods HeLa cells were transfected with miR-198 mimic and the mRNA levels between miR-198 and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1) were measured by qRT-PCR. The relationship of miR-198 and MAPK1 was determined by luciferase reporter assay. pcDNA3.0-MAPK1 (pc-MAPK1) and miR-198 mimic transfection was performed, and cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion abilities were measured by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay, respectively. Western blot was performed for protein levels.

Results The level of miR-198 was increased and the mRNA level of MAPK1 was decreased by miR-198 mimic. The result of luciferase reporter assay indicated that there was binding site of MAPK1 on miR-198. Overexpression of miR-198 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion, and induced the apoptosis of HeLa cells. In addition, miR-198 mimic down-regulated the expressions of ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2), c-Myc and c-fos. pc-MAPK1 attenuated the effects of miR-198 mimic on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and downstream proteins expression of MAPK1 in HeLa cells.

Conclusion Overexpression of miR-198 inhibits the proliferation, invasion and induces the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells through targeting MAPK1.