Abstract

Background: CD151 is a member of the transmembrane 4 super families and has been reported to be involved in cell adherence and migration. It has been reported that the overexpression of CD151 and the down regulation of miR-124 are all related to the progression of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). However, whether there is a regulatory relationship between them has not been examined. The purpose of this study is to further explore whether there is a correlation between the expression of CD151 and miR-124 in NSCLC.

Methods: The expression of CD151 and its functional partner α3β1 in NSCLC clinical tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of miR-124 in lung tumor tissues and serums of NSCLC patients was detected by qPCR. The targeting of CD151 mRNA by miR-124 was confirmed by the dual luciferase reporter system. Cell migration and invasion were verified by scratch wound healing and transwell invasion assay.

Results: CD151 and α3β1 expression were up regulated, while miR-124 expression in the NSCLC group was decreased compared to that in the benign lesion group. Moreover, CD151 positive expression was associated with poor survival of NSCLC patients. MiR-124 targeted the 3’UTR of CD151 mRNA and regulated its expression. Knockdown of CD151 expression with CD151 shRNA or miR-124 mimics inhibited the migration and invasion of the A549 cell line.

Conclusion: The results indicated that up regulated miR-124 could inhibit CD151 overexpression, which is associated with NSCLC progression.

Keywords: CD151; α3β1; MiR-124; Non-small cell lung cancer; Cell migration