Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRs) are involved in several physiological and pathological processes, and participate in cancer initiation and progression. The abnormal expression of miR-150 has been reported in numerous types of human cancer. However, at present there are no studies of miR-150 in osteosarcoma (OS). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure miR-150 expression levels in OS tissues and cell lines. Subsequent to transfection with miR-150 mimics or zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) small interfering RNA, an MTT assay, Transwell migration and invasion assays, western blotting and a Dual-Luciferase reporter assay were performed in human OS cell lines. The present study revealed that miR-150 was downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines. In addition, the expression levels of miR-150 were correlated with the clinical stage and degree of distant metastasis of patients with OS. In addition, ZEB1 was identified as a direct target of miR-150 in vitro. In conclusion, miR-150 targeted ZEB1 to function as an antioncogenic regulator in OS. These findings elucidated a novel underlying mechanism for the pathogenic process in OS carcinogenesis and progression, and may provide novel targeted therapeutic regimens for patients with OS.