MiR-139-3p induces cell apoptosis and inhibits metastasis of cervical cancer by targeting NOB1.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development of various cancers, including cervical cancer (CC). The dysregulation of miRNA expression is associated with oncogenic transformation and miRNA often act as tumor suppressors. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect on and mechanism of miR-139-3p in the progression of CC. The result of real-time PCR showed that miR-139-3p was down-regulated in CC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-139-3p significantly suppressed HeLa cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced cell apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that NOB1 was targeted by miR-139-3p at the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of its mRNA sequence. Furthermore, overexpression of NOB1 counteracted the effects of miR-139-3p suppression. Our results suggest that miR-139-3p may act as a tumor suppressor that can inhibit CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induce cell apoptosis through down-regulation of NOB1 expression. Taken together, this study provides a novel potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CC.