miR-372 inhibits p62 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.

Li-Yin Yeh, Chung-Ji Liu, Yong-Kie Wong, Christine Chang, Shu-Chun Lin, Kuo-Wei Chang

Index: Oncotarget 6(8) , 6062-75, (2015)

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Abstract

Here we showed that exogenous miR-372 expression and knockdown of p62 (sequestosome1 or SQSTM1), both increased migration of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. p62 induced phase II detoxification enzyme NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), which decreased ROS levels and cell migration. Also, miR-372 decreased p62 during hypoxia, thus increasing cell migration. Levels of miR-372 and p62 inversely correlated in human HNSCC tissues. Plasma levels of miR-372 was associated with advanced tumor stage and patient mortality. Both plasma and salivary miR-372 levels were decreased after tumor resection. We conclude that miR-372 decreases p62, thus increasing ROS and motility in HNSCC cells.