hsa-miR-1301-3p Promotes the Proliferation and Migration of Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Cells and Reduces Radiosensitivity via Targeting Homeodomain-Only Protein Homeobox

Background: There is increasing evidence that abnormal expression of microRNAs is involved in the occurrence and progression of tumors. In previous experiments, we found that the content of hsa-miR-1301-3p in tumor tissues of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed an obvious upward trend compared with that in normal tissues. We performed a detailed study on the impact and underlying mechanism of hsa-miR-1301-3p in NSCLC cells. Methods: The impact of hsa-miR-1301-3p on NSCLC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion was examined using colony formation, flow cytometry, modified Boyden chamber, and wound healing assays. Different doses of radiation were applied to NSCLC cells to investigate their sensitivity to radiotherapy. The potential target gene of hsa-miR-1301-3p was determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay and immunoblotting. Result: hsa-miR-1301-3p was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. hsa-miR-1301-3p effectively promoted the rapid proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells, while inhibiting apoptosis. It also induced radioresistance in NSCLC cells. hsa-miR-1301-3p targeted the homeodomain-only protein homeobox (HOPX) mRNA 3′ untranslated region and inhibited its transcription in NSCLC cells. Exogenous HOPX overexpression antagonized the mechanism by which hsa-miR-1301-3p regulates NSCLC cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. Conclusions: hsa-miR-1301-3p plays an oncogenic role in the occurrence and development of NSCLC. By targeting HOPX, hsa-miR-1301-3p can not only promote the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells, but also alleviate apoptosis and reduce radiosensitivity.