MicroRNA-1-3p inhibits the proliferation and migration of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting DKK1.

We investigated the functional role and mechanism of miR-1-3p and DKK1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. The level of miR-1-3p and DKK1 expression were detected in OSCC tissues and cells using reverse-transcription - quantitative PCR and Western blot. A dual luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-1-3p and DKK1. Functional assays, including MTT, Transwell, colony formation, and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to verify their effect on cell progressions. MTT, colony formation, and Transwell assays indicated that the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SCC-4 cells was impaired with high miR-1-3p expression but promoted with high DKK1 expression. The results from cell cycle analysis and annexin-V-PI assays for apoptosis suggested that miR-1-3p suppressed the transit of SCC-4 cells from G0/G1 to S and induced apoptosis. In summary, miR-1-3p suppressed the progression of OSCC by inhibiting DKK1 expression.