miR-187-5p Regulates Cell Growth and Apoptosis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia via DKK2

Oncol Res. 2016;24(2):89-97. doi: 10.3727/096504016X14597766487753.

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and causes a high rate of mortality in affected adults. Many subtypes of ALL exist with disruptions in distinct genetic pathways, including those regulated by miRNAs. Here we identify miR-187-5p as being highly upregulated in B-cell ALL and a driver of cellular proliferation and suppressor of apoptosis. We show that miR-187-5p directly targets the 3'-UTR of DKK2 to mediate these effects. We further determine that inhibition of DKK2 by miR-187-5p in Nalm-6 B cells leads to inappropriate activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Together, these findings reveal that the miR-187-5p-DKK2 pathway regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, cell growth, and apoptosis. Our findings provide the first evidence of a role for miR-187-5p in promotion of B-cell ALL.

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Apoptosis / genetics*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / diagnosis
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / genetics*
  • RNA Interference*
  • Up-Regulation
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • DKK2 protein, human
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • MIRN187 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs