miR-18b-5p regulates proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells by targeting WW domam-containing oxidoreductase

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of miR-18b-5p on the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma U251 cells and the underlying mechanism.

MethodsThe expression levels of miR-18b-5p in glioma tissues and adjacent tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). The proliferation and apoptotic rate of U251 cells were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The expressions of WWOX, Cyclin D1, p21, Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were detected by Western blotting. The relationship between miR-18b-5p and WWOX was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay system.

ResultsCompared with the adjacent tissues, the expression of miR-18b-5p in glioma tissues was significantly increased(P < 0.01). Inhibition of miR-18b-5p inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of U251 cells. MiR-18b-5p targeted and negatively regulated the expression of WWOX. Over-expression of WWOX inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of U251 cells. Inhibition of WWOX reversed the effects of miR-18b-5p inhibition on cell proliferation and apoptosis of U251 cells(P < 0.01).

ConclusionsMiR-18b-5p may inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of glioma U251 cells by targeting WWOX. MiR-18b-5p is a potential molecular target of glioma.