Modulation of glioma cell invasion by miR-221 and miR-222 through targeting TIMP3

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of miR -221 and miR -222 in glioma cell invasion. Method After reduction of miR -221 and miR -222 by antisense oligonucleotides, cell invasion,invasion related - gene expression and target identification were determined by Transwell assay, Western blot analysis and luciferase reporter assay,respectively. Moreover,the effects of miR -221 and miR -222 on xenograft tumors in nude mice were also observed. Results Down - regulation of miR - 221 and miR - 222 decreased glioma cell invasion in vitro, and inhibited glioma growth in a subcutaneous mouse model. Furthermore,down -regulation of miR -221 and miR - 222 resulted in obvious inactivation of MMP2 and MMP9. Western blot analysis and luciferase reporter assay showed that the reduction of miR - 221 and miR -222 repressed TIMP3 protein expression and TIMP3 mRNA 3'UTR existed the biding sites of miR -221 and 222. Conclusions TIMP3 is a novel target of miR -221 and miR -222 in glioma cell invasion. Key words: Glioma;  miR-221;  miR-222;  TIMP3;  Invasion