Objectives
Down‐regulation of miRNA‐7 is correlated with over‐expression of IRS‐1 and IRS‐2 proteins, the upstream regulators of IGF‐1R/Akt pathway, in glioblastoma cells. In this study, the effect of miRNA‐7 on expression of IRS‐1 and IRS‐2 and sensitivity of the U373‐MG glioblastoma cells to erlotinib was explored.
Methods
After miRNA‐7 transfection, the expression of IRS‐1 and IRS‐2 mRNAs was measured by RT‐qPCR. Trypan blue assay was used to assess the effect of miRNA‐7 on cell proliferation. The effects of miRNA‐7 and erlotinib, alone and in combination, on cell survival and apoptosis were measured using MTT assay and ELISA cell death assay, respectively.
Key findings
Our data showed that miRNA‐7 markedly inhibited the expression of IRS‐1 and IRS‐2 in a time‐dependent manner, inhibited the proliferation of glioblastoma cells and enhanced apoptosis (P < 0.05, relative to control). Pretreatment with miRNA‐7 synergistically inhibited the cell survival rate and decreased the IC50 of erlotinib. Furthermore, miRNA‐7 significantly augmented the apoptotic effect of erlotinib.
Conclusions
Our data propose that inhibition of IRS‐1 and IRS‐2 by miRNA‐7 can effectively induce apoptosis and sensitize glioblastoma cell to EGFR‐TKIs. Therefore, miRNA‐7 may be a potential therapeutic target in patients with glioblastoma.