MTSS1 gene regulated by miR-96 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis in tongue squamous cellular carcinoma Tca8113 cell line.

Background: Metastasis suppressor-1 (MTSS1) is a novel potential metastasis suppressor gene in several types of human cancers. However, the exact function and regulatory mechanism of MTSS1 in Tongue squamous cellular carcinoma (TSCC) have not been elucidated.

Material/methods: We first confirmed the MTSS1 gene expression by using quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining. Then we detected the effect of MTSS1 gene on Tca8113 cells proliferation and invasion ability by using MTT, wound healing and invasion assay. Finally by using bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay and a serial method, we analyzed the targeting of miR-96 on MTSS1 and the ability of miR-96 on MTSS1 gene mediated biological alterations in Tca8113 cells.

Results: Our findings showed that the expression of MTSS1 was down-regulated in both TSCC tissues and Tca8113 cells. Forced expression of MTSS1 led to inhibited cell proliferation ability, retarded wound closing and reduced trans-membrane cell numbers. MiR-96 is confirmed to be a direct target of MTSS1 gene and could regulate MTSS1 mediated Tca8113 cells proliferation and metastasis. But miR-96 could not completely restore the invasion ability of Tca8113 cells.

Conclusions: MiR-96 targeting and promoting MTSS1 repression may precipitate in the TSCC tumorigenesis through bypassing cell proliferation and metastasis control.