MiR-129-2-3p Inhibits Esophageal Carcinoma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion Targeting DNMT3B.

Purpose: The study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of miR-129-2-3p underlying esophageal carcinoma (EC) cell progression and generate new ideas for targeted treatment of EC.

Methods: Mature miRNA expression data and total RNA sequencing data of EC in the TCGAESCA dataset were utilized to explore differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). StarBase database was then utilized to predict targets of miRNA. MiR-129-2-3p and DNMT3B expression in EC cell lines was assayed through qRT-PCR and Western blot. CCK-8, scratch healing, and transwell assays were conducted to assess the impact of miR-129-2-3p on EC cell phenotypes. In addition, a dual-luciferase assay was completed to identify the binding relationship between DNMT3B and miR-129-2-3p.

Results: MiR-129-2-3p was noticeably less expressed in EC cell lines, while DNMT3B was highly expressed. MiR-129-2-3p could bind to DNMT3B. Furthermore, in vitro functional experiments uncovered that overexpressed miR-129-2-3p repressed EC cell progression while further overexpressing DNMT3B would restore the above inhibitory effect.

Conclusion: MiR-129-2-3p is a cancer repressor in EC cells, and it could target DNMT3B, thus hampering the progression of EC cells.