MiR-29a-3p inhibits high-grade transformation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma by targeting Quaking

Background Lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC) is the most common orbital malignant epithelial neoplasm. LACC with high-grade transformation (LACC-HGT) has higher rates of recurrence, metastasis, and mortality than LACC without HGT. This study investigated the effects of microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) in the pathogenesis of LACC-HGT. Methods An Agilent human miRNA microarray was used to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in LACC and LACC-HGT tumor tissues. Then, the primary cells obtained in previous studies were used to determine the effect of miR-29a-3p. Results The expression of miR-29a-3p was abnormally lower in LACC-HGT than in LACC. miR-29a-3p can specifically target the 3MODIFIER LETTER PRIME UTR of Quaking mRNA and down-regulate Quaking expression, thereby inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of LACC cells. Conclusions This study illustrated that miR-29a-3p functions as a tumor suppressor by down-regulating the expression of Quaking to inhibit the tumorigenesis of LACC cells. This study may also reveal the pathogenesis of HGT in LACC cells and provide a reference for LACC-HGT targeted diagnosis.

Automated summary

This study investigated the role of miR-29a-3p in the pathogenesis of LACC-HGT. The results showed that miR-29a-3p was down-regulated in LACC-HGT, and it inhibited the proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of LACC cells by targeting Quaking expression. This study provides insights into the pathogenesis of LACC-HGT and potential targeted diagnostic methods.