miR-103 promotes the progression of non-Hodgkins lymphoma by inhibiting OTUD7B expression

Abstract

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are vital for regulating the malignant phenotypes of tumor cells. The purpose of this work is to investigate the function and downstream mechanism of miR-103 in the progression of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Methods and Materials Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to detect miR-103 and OTU deubiquitinase 7B (OTUD7B) mRNA expressions in NHL tissues and cells. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of OTUD7B in NHL tissues and cells. CCK-8 experiment, flow cytometry analysis, and Transwell experiment were used to detect the role of NHL cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Bioinformatics, qRT-PCR, Western blot and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to validate the targeting relationship between miR-103 and OTUD7B. NF-κB p65 luciferase reporter assay and Western blot were applied to determine NF-κB activity and the expression of NF-κB targeted genes. Results Compared to normal tissues and cells, miR-103 expression levels were remarkably up-regulated in NHL tissues and cell lines. The up-regulation of miR-103 dramatically promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NHL cells and inhibited apoptosis. Conversely, down-regulating miR-103 significantly inhibited malignant phenotypes of the NHL cells. Additionally, OTUD7B was identified as a target gene of miR-103, and miR-103 increased NF-κB activity indirectly via repressing OTUD7B. Conclusion The miR-103/OTUD7B/NF-κB axis is involved in NHL progression.