microRNA-370-5p inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis by targeting KPNA3

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the biological function of microRNA-370-5p (miR-370-5p) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its regulatory relationship with KPNA3. The expression levels of miR-370-5p and KPNA3 were examined in 72 NSCLC tissue samples and matched adjacent non-tumor tissues, as well as in cell lines (BEAS-2B, A549, H1299, and H460). A549 cells were transfected with miR-370-5p mimic, miR-370-5p inhibitor, or KPNA3 overexpression plasmids. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, migration was measured by Transwell assays, and apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the direct binding between miR-370-5p and KPNA3. miR-370-5p was down-regulated, whereas KPNA3 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-370-5p inhibited cell proliferation and migration and increased apoptotic rates, while inhibition of miR-370-5p inhibition exerted opposite effects. KPNA3 overexpression partially reversed the effects of miR-370-5p, indicating that KPNA3 functions as a downstream effector of miR-370-5p. miR-370-5p suppresses NSCLC cell growth and migration while promoting apoptosis by directly targeting KPNA3.