MicroRNA-548-3p and MicroRNA-576-5p enhance the migration and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells via NRIP1 down-regulation

Nuclear receptor interacting protein (NRIP1), also known as RIP140, is a transcriptional co-regulator required for the maintenance of energy homeostasis and ovulation. Although several studies have identified roles for NRIP1 in various cell processes, the biological functions of NRIP1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that NRIP1 inhibits the migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that NRIP1 is directly targeted by miR-548-3p and miR-576-5p. We then identified that miR-548-3p and miR-576-5p regulate the migration and invasion of ESCC cells by inhibiting NRIP1 expression. Interestingly, the expression of miR-548-3p and miR-576-5p in ESCC cell lines and ESCC tissues is up-regulated and NRIP1 is down-regulated relative to controls. A statistically significant inverse association was found between the expression levels of miR-548-3p/miR-576-5p and NRIP1. These combined results reveal novel functions for miR-548-3p, miR-576-5p, and NRIP1 in regulating ESCC cell migration and invasion which are important functions for the metastatic process in esophageal cancer.