miRNA-338-3p inhibits glioma cell proliferation and progression by targeting MYT1L

Glioma is a common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Currently, miRNAs are considered to be useful biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of glioma. Previously, we screened three differentially expressed miRNAs from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database which included miRNA-338-3p. miRNA-338-3p is involved in tumor development in different cancers. However, in glioma, its function and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. We found that overexpression of miRNA-338-3p suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis of glioma in vitro. Myelin transcription factor 1-like (MYT1L) was found to be a direct target of miRNA383-3p in glioma cells as the expression of MYT1L was inhibited by overexpressing miRNA-338-3p. Additionally, silencing MYT1L produced similar effects as overexpressing miRNA-338-3p in glioma cells. Overexpression of MYT1L also completely attenuated the inhibitory effect induced by miRNA-338-3p overexpression. These results suggest that the miRNA-338-3p/ MYT1L axis plays a critical role in the progression of glioma. Our study delineates one of the complex molecular mechanisms that drive the growth of glioma and may be useful in finding novel prognostic predictors and treatment targets in glioma. Availability of data and materials: All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

Automated summary

This study found that miRNA-338-3p suppresses glioma cell proliferation and migration, and promotes apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of MYT1L gene. The miRNA-338-3p/MYT1L axis may play a critical role in glioma progression and could be a potential therapeutic target.