scholarly journals Targeting DDX3X Helicase Activity with BA103 Shows Promising Therapeutic Effects in Preclinical Glioblastoma Models

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 5569
Author(s):  
Annalaura Brai ◽  
Valentina Riva ◽  
Letizia Clementi ◽  
Lucia Falsitta ◽  
Claudio Zamperini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Antitumoral Activity ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Helicase Activity ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Oncogenic Protein ◽  
New Compounds

DDX3X is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that has recently attracted interest for its involvement in viral replication and oncogenic progression. Starting from hit compounds previously identified by our group, we have designed and synthesized a new series of DDX3X inhibitors that effectively blocked its helicase activity. These new compounds were able to inhibit the proliferation of cell lines from different cancer types, also in DDX3X low-expressing cancer cell lines. According to the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination properties, and antitumoral activity, compound BA103 was chosen to be further investigated in glioblastoma models. BA103 determined a significant reduction in the proliferation and migration of U87 and U251 cells, downregulating the oncogenic protein β-catenin. An in vivo evaluation demonstrated that BA103 was able to reach the brain and reduce the tumor growth in xenograft and orthotopic models without evident side effects. This study represents the first demonstration that DDX3X-targeted small molecules are feasible and promising drugs also in glioblastoma.

Cabozantinib inhibits melanoma brain metastasis in vitro

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trond Are Mannsåker ◽  
Tuyen Hoang ◽  
Synnøve Nymark Aasen ◽  
Ole Vidhammer Bjørnstad ◽  
Himalaya Parajuli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Cell Growth And Migration ◽  
Tumour Spheroids ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Molecular Components

Abstract Background Melanoma is one of the cancer types that have high potential to metastasise to the brain. Recent advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies have changed the therapeutical landscape of extra-cranial melanoma. However, few patients with melanoma brain metastases (MBM) respond effectively to recent treatments and new therapeutic strategies are needed. Cabozantinib is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor, already approved by FDA for treatment of renal cell carcinoma, medullary thyroid cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. The drug also targets several of the proteins which are known to be dysregulated in melanomas and may therefore have a potential role in melanoma treatment. In this study, we investigated the effect of cabozantinib on MBM cell growth and migration in vitro, and further identified its associated molecular components. Methods The anti-tumour activity of cabozantinib was investigated on three human MBM cell lines (H1, H3, H10) developed in our laboratory, through monolayer cell viability assays, tumoursphere experiments, cell migration assays, flow cytometry and caspase 3/7 apoptosis assays, RTK array screening and western blots (WB) to validate the array findings. Results Cabozantinib treatment decreased the viability of MBM cell lines both when grown in monolayer cultures and as tumour spheroids. The in vitro cell migration was also inhibited, and apoptosis was induced by cabozantinib. The phosphorylated RTKs p-PDGF-Rα, p-IGF-1R, p-MERTK and p-DDR1 were found to be downregulated in the p-RTK array of MBM cells after cabozantinib treatment. These results were validated with WB. Further, WB showed that cabozantinib treatment inhibited p-Akt and p-MEK 1/2. Conclusions For the first time, we show that cabozantinib effectively inhibits viability, growth and migration of MBM cells in vitro. Moreover, the drug induces apoptosis and downregulates the p-RTK p-PDGF-Rα, p-IGF-1R, p-MERTK and p-DDR1 in MBM cells. Further in vivo experiments are needed to bring cabozantinib forward as a potential, adjuvant treatment of patients with MBM.

scholarly journals A New Symmetrical Thiazolidinedione Derivative: In Silico Design, Synthesis, and In Vivo Evaluation on a Streptozotocin- Induced Rat Model of Diabetes

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1294
Author(s):  
Samuel Álvarez-Almazán ◽  
Gabriel Navarrete-Vázquez ◽  
Itzia Irene Padilla-Martínez ◽  
José Correa-Basurto ◽  
Diana Alemán-González-Duhart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rat Model ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Acute Oral Toxicity ◽  
Oral Toxicity ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Docking Simulations ◽  
Ppar Γ

By activating PPAR-γ, thiazolidinediones normalize glucose levels in animal models of type 2 diabetes and in patients with this pathology. The aim of the present study was to analyze 219 new derivatives in silico and select the best for synthesis, to be evaluated for acute oral toxicity in female rats and for control of diabetes-related parameters in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The best compound was chosen based on pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicological parameters obtained in silico and binding orientation observed by docking simulations on PPAR-γ. Compound 1G was synthesized by a quick and easy Knoevenagel condensation. Acute oral toxicity was found at a dose greater than 2000 mg/Kg. Compound 1G apparently produces therapeutic effects similar to those of pioglitazone, decreasing glycaemia and triglyceride levels in diabetic animals, without liver damage. Moreover, it did not cause a significant weight gain and tended to reduce polydipsia and polyphagia, while diminishing systemic inflammation related to TNF-α and IL-6. It lowered the level of endogenous antioxidant molecules such as reduced glutathione and glutathione reductase. In conclusion, 1G may be a candidate for further testing as an euglycemic agent capable of preventing the complications of diabetes.

scholarly journals Progression and Differentiation of Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Is Regulated by PAX7 Transcription Factor—Significance of Tumor Subclones

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1870
Author(s):  
Klaudia Skrzypek ◽  
Grażyna Adamek ◽  
Marta Kot ◽  
Bogna Badyra ◽  
Marcin Majka
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Migration Activity ◽  
Id Proteins ◽  
Rh30 Cell ◽  
Str Profile ◽  
And Migration

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), is the most frequent soft tissue tumor in children that originates from disturbances in differentiation process. Mechanisms leading to the development of RMS are still poorly understood. Therefore, by analysis of two RMS RH30 cell line subclones, one subclone PAX7 negative, while the second one PAX7 positive, and comparison with other RMS cell lines we aimed at identifying new mechanisms crucial for RMS progression. RH30 subclones were characterized by the same STR profile, but different morphology, rate of proliferation, migration activity and chemotactic abilities in vitro, as well as differences in tumor morphology and growth in vivo. Our analysis indicated a different level of expression of adhesion molecules (e.g., from VLA and ICAM families), myogenic microRNAs, such as miR-206 and transcription factors, such as MYOD, MYOG, SIX1, and ID. Silencing of PAX7 transcription factor with siRNA confirmed the crucial role of PAX7 transcription factor in proliferation, differentiation and migration of RMS cells. To conclude, our results suggest that tumor cell lines with the same STR profile can produce subclones that differ in many features and indicate crucial roles of PAX7 and ID proteins in the development of RMS.

scholarly journals EXTH-64. SMALL GTPASES IN MENINGIOMAS: PROLIFERATION, MIGRATION, SURVIVAL, POTENTIAL TREATMENT AND INTERACTIONS

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii101-ii101
Author(s):  
Christoph Kesseler ◽  
Julian Kahr ◽  
Natalie Waldt ◽  
Nele Stroscher ◽  
Josephine Liebig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Potential Treatment ◽  
Rock Inhibitor ◽  
Meningioma Cell ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Proliferation And Migration

Abstract PURPOSE To evaluate the role of the small GTPases RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 in meningiomas as therapeutic targets and their interactions in meningiomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We analyzed expression of GTPases in human meningioma samples and meningioma cell lines of various WHO grades. Malignant IOMM-Lee meningioma cells were used to generate shRNA mediated knockdowns of GTPases RhoA, Rac1 or Cdc42 and to study knockdown effects on proliferation and migration, as well as analysis of cell morphology by confocal microscopy. The same tests were used to investigate effects of the two inhibitors Fasudil and EHT-1864 of malignant IOMM-Lee, KT21 and benign Ben-Men cells and the effects of these drugs on IOMM-Lee knockdown cells. The effects of GTPase knockdowns and Fasudil treatment were studied in terms of overall survival by intracranial xenografts of mice. Potential interactions of GTPases regarding NF2, mTOR and FAK-Paxillin were examined. RESULTS Small GTPases were upregulated in meningiomas of higher tumor grades. Reduced proliferation and migration could be achieved by GTPase knockdown in IOMM-Lee cells. Additionally, the ROCK-inhibitor Fasudil and Rac1-inhibitor EHT-1864 reduced proliferation in different meningioma cell lines and reduced proliferation and migration independent of GTPase knockdowns/status. Moreover, overall survival in vivo could also be increased by knockdowns of RhoA and Rac1 as well as Fasudil treatment. GTPase expression was affected dependent on the NF2 status but effects were not very distinct, indicating that NF2 is not strongly involved in GTPase regulation in meningiomas. In terms of mTOR and FAK-Paxillin signaling, each GTPase changes those pathways in a different manner. CONCLUSION Small GTPases are important effectors in meningioma proliferation and migration in vitro as well as survival in vivo and their inhibition should be considered as potential treatment option.

scholarly journals BSCI-12. Inhibition of melanoma brain metastasis by targeting miR-146a

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii3-iii3
Author(s):  
Jiwei Wang ◽  
Emma Rigg ◽  
Taral R Lunavat ◽  
Wenjing Zhou ◽  
Zichao Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Metastasis ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Cell Growth And Migration ◽  
Human Astrocytes ◽  
And Migration ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background Melanoma has the highest propensity of any cancer to metastasize to the brain, with late-stage patients developing brain metastasis (MBM) in 40% of cases. Survival of patients with MBM is around 8 months with current therapies, illustrating the need for new treatments. MBM development is likely caused by molecular interactions between tumor cells and the brain, constituting the brain metastatic niche. miRNAs delivered by exosomes released by the primary tumor cells may play a role in niche establishment, yet the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, the aim was to identify miRNAs released by exosomes from melanomas, which may be important in niche establishment and MBM progression. Materials and Methods miRNAs from exosomes collected from human astrocytes, melanocytes, and MBM cell lines were profiled to determine differential expression. Functional in vitro validation was performed by cell growth and migration assays, cytokine arrays, qPCR and Western blots. Functional in vivo studies were performed after miR knockdown in MBM cell lines. An in silico docking study was performed to determine drugs that potentially inhibit transcription of miR-146a to impede MBM development. Results miR-146a was the most upregulated miRNA in exosomes from MBM cells and was highly expressed in human and animal MBM samples. miR-146a mimics activated human astrocytes, shown by increased proliferation and migration, elevated expression of GFAP in vitro and in mouse brain tumor samples, and increased cytokine production. In animal studies, knockdown of miR-146a in MBM cells injected intracardially into mice reduced BM burden and increased animal survival. Based on the docking studies, deserpidine was found to be an effective inhibitor of MBM growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions MiR-146a may play an important role in MBM development, and deserpidine is a promising candidate for clinical use.

scholarly journals Targeting PELP1 Attenuates Angiogenesis and Enhances Chemotherapy Efficiency in Colorectal Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 383
Author(s):  
Jianlin Zhu ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Fan Liu ◽  
Jinghua Pan ◽  
Zhimeng Yao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Solid Tumors ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Defined Contribution ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Control Tumor ◽  
Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ◽  
Oncogenic Protein

Abnormal angiogenesis is one of the important hallmarks of colorectal cancer as well as other solid tumors. Optimally, anti-angiogenesis therapy could restrain malignant angiogenesis to control tumor expansion. PELP1 is as a scaffolding oncogenic protein in a variety of cancer types, but its involvement in angiogenesis is unknown. In this study, PELP1 was found to be abnormally upregulated and highly coincidental with increased MVD in CRC. Further, treatment with conditioned medium (CM) from PELP1 knockdown CRC cells remarkably arrested the function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) compared to those treated with CM from wildtype cells. Mechanistically, the STAT3/VEGFA axis was found to mediate PELP1-induced angiogenetic phenotypes of HUVECs. Moreover, suppression of PELP1 reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo accompanied by inactivation of STAT3/VEGFA pathway. Notably, in vivo, PELP1 suppression could enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, which is caused by the normalization of vessels. Collectively, our findings provide a preclinical proof of concept that targeting PELP1 to decrease STAT3/VEGFA-mediated angiogenesis and improve responses to chemotherapy due to normalization of vessels. Given the newly defined contribution to angiogenesis of PELP1, targeting PELP1 may be a potentially ideal therapeutic strategy for CRC as well as other solid tumors.

P16.08 Inhibition of melanoma brain metastasis by targeting miR-146a

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii57-ii57
Author(s):  
J Wang ◽  
E K Rigg ◽  
T R Lunavat ◽  
W Zhou ◽  
Z Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Metastasis ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Cell Growth And Migration ◽  
Human Astrocytes ◽  
And Migration ◽  
The Brain

Abstract BACKGROUND Melanoma has the highest propensity of any cancer to metastasize to the brain, with late-stage patients developing brain metastasis (MBM) in 40% of cases. Survival of patients with MBM is around 8 months with current therapies, illustrating the need for new treatments. MBM development is likely caused by molecular interactions between tumor cells and the brain, constituting the brain metastatic niche. miRNAs delivered by exosomes released from the primary tumor cells may play a role in niche establishment, yet the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, the aim was to identify miRNAs released by exosomes from melanomas, which may be important in niche establishment and MBM progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS miRNAs in exosomes collected from human astrocytes, melanocytes, and MBM cell lines were profiled to determine differential expression. Functional in vitro validation was performed by cell growth and migration assays, cytokine arrays, qPCR and Western blots. Functional in vivo studies were performed after miR knockdown in MBM cell lines. An in silico docking study was performed to determine drugs that potentially inhibit transcription of miR-146a to impede MBM development. RESULTS miR-146a was the most upregulated miRNA in exosomes from MBM cells and was highly expressed in human and animal MBM samples. miR-146a mimics activated human astrocytes, shown by increased proliferation and migration, elevated expression of GFAP in vitro and in mouse brain tumor samples, and increased cytokine production. In animal studies, knockdown of miR-146 in MBM cells injected intracardially into mice reduced BM burden and increased animal survival. Based on the docking studies, deserpidine was found to be an effective inhibitor of MBM growth in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION miR-146a may play an important role in MBM development, and deserpidine is a promising candidate for clinical use.

ANKHD1 Silencing Reduces In Vitro Clonogenicity and In Vivo Tumorogenicity Of Multiple Myeloma Cells

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 3168-3168
Author(s):  
Anamika Dhyani ◽  
João Agostinho Machado-Neto ◽  
Patricia Favaro ◽  
Sara Teresinha Olalla Saad
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Tumor Size ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mice Model ◽  
And Migration

Abstract Introduction ANKHD1 is a multiple ankyrin repeats containing protein, highly expressed in cancers, such as acute leukemia. Earlier studies showed that ANKHD1 is highly expressed and plays important role in proliferation and cell cycle progression of multiple myeloma (MM) cells. It was also observed that ANKHD1 downregulation modulates cell cycle gene expression and upregulates p21 irresepective of TP53 mutational status of MM cell lines. Objective The present study aimed to study the effect ofANKHD1 silencing on MM growth both in vitro (clonogenicity, migration) and in vivo (xenograft tumor mice model). The purpose was to investigate the feasibility of ANKHD1 gene therapy for MM. Methods In the present study, ANKHD1 expression was silenced using short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-lentiviral delivery vector in MM cell lines (U266 and MM1S). For control MM cells were tranduced by lentiviral shRNA against LacZ. Downregulation of ANKHD1 expression was confirmed by qPCR and Western blot. Colony formation capacity and migration of control and ANKHD1 silenced MM cells was determined by methylcellulose and transwell migration assays, respectively. For in vivo MM growth, NOD-SCID mice were divided in two groups injected with control and ANKHD1 silenced cells, separately. Mice were observed daily for tumor growth. Once the tumor size reached 1 mm3, mice in both groups were sacrificed and tumor was excised to measure tumor volume and weight. Results Corroborating the results obtained in our earlier studies, in the present study also inhibition of ANKHD1 expression suppressed growth of MM cells in vitro. MM cell lines tranduced with ANKHD1 shRNA showed significantly low number of colonies ten days after plating in methylcellulose medium as compared to control (p<0.05). Similarly, in transwell migration assay, cell lines transduced with ANKHD1 showed significantly less migration as in response to 10% FBS at lower chamber as compared to control group (p<0.05) in both the cell lines analyzed. Further in xenograft MM mice model, the growth of tumor was visibly suppressed in mice injected with ANKHD1 silenced cells compared to control group. There was significant difference in tumor size (volume) between these 2 groups (P< 0.006). The tumor weight of the inhibition group was 0.71 ±0.2 g, significantly lighter than those of the control group (1.211 ± 0.5 g, P =0.02) Conclusion Our data indicates ANKHD1 downregulation significantly inhibits colony-forming ability and migration of both glucocorticoid resistant (U266) and sensitive (MM1S) MM cells. Further, gene silencing of ANKHD1 also resulted in reduced in vivo tumor growth in NOD/SCID mice. Collectively, the result obtained indicates that ANKHD1 may be a target for gene therapy in MM. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Silencing The Sialyltransferase Gene ST3GAL6 Inhibits Adhesion and Migration Of Myeloma Cells In Vitro and Reduces The Homing and Proliferation Of Tumor Cells In Vivo

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 275-275
Author(s):  
Siobhan Glavey ◽  
Salomon Manier ◽  
Antonio Sacco ◽  
Michaela R Reagan ◽  
Yuji Mishima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Advisory Board ◽  
Myeloma Cells ◽  
Sialyl Lewis ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Rpmi 8226

Abstract Background Glycosylation is a stepwise procedure of covalent attachment of oligosaccharide chains to proteins or lipids, and alterations in this process, especially increased sialylation, have been associated with malignant transformation and metastasis. The adhesion and trafficking of multiple myeloma (MM) cells is strongly influenced by glycosylation and multiple myeloma cells express a variety of adhesion molecules, including selectin ligands and integrins, which are typically dependent on glycosylation for their function. We have previously reported that the sialyltransferase ST3GAL6 is up-regulated in plasma cells from MM patients and that increased expression is associated with inferior overall survival (OS) in MM gene expression profiling (GEP) datasets. The functional significance of increased sialylation of MM cells has not previously been reported. Methods MM cell lines MM1s and RPMI-8226 were confirmed to have high expression levels of ST3GAL6 at the gene and protein level compared to healthy controls. Knockdown of ST3GAL6 was confirmed in MM cell lines RPMI-8226 and MM1s using lentiviral shRNAs targeting different regions in the ST3GAL6 mRNA. Specific ST3GAL6 knockdown was confirmed by reduced ST3GAL6 mRNA and protein expression in comparison to a scrambled control. In a calcein-AM fluorescence based adhesion assay we next evaluated the effects of ST3GAL6 knockdown on MM-cell adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC’s) and fibronectin coated plates. Migration to 30nM SDF1-α was assessed using transwell plates comparing ST3GAL6 knockdown cells to scrambled controls. The commercially available sialyltransferase inhibitor 3Fax-Neu5Ac was used to pre-treat MM cells in vitro prior to assessment of apoptosis by flow cytometry. shST3GAL6 MM1s cells positive for green fluorescent protein and luciferin (GFP-Luc+) were injected into tail veins of SCID-Bg mice (5x106 cells, n=5/group) and mice were followed weekly using bioluminescent imaging (BLI) for tumor development. Bone marrow homing of tumor cells was assessed using in vivoconfocal imaging of the skull vasculature (n=3/group). Results Knockdown of ST3GAL6 in MM cell lines resulted in a 50% reduction in cell surface staining with the monoclonal antibody HECA-452. This indicated reduced expression of cutaneous lymphocyte associated antigen (CLA), a carbohydrate domain shared by sialyl Lewis X (sLex) and sialyl Lewis a (sLea) antigens, confirming suppression of ST3GAL6 activity. There was a significant reduction in the ability of knockdown cells to adhere to BMSC’s and fibronectin in-vitro compared to scrambled controls (P=0.016, 0.032 respectively). Migration ability of these cells in response to SDF1-α was also reduced (P=0.01). In vivo in a xenograft SCID-Bg mouse model shST3GAL6 cells demonstrated a reduced tumor burden as assessed by weekly BLI (P=0.017 at week 4). A consolidated map of the skull bone marrow niche in mice injected with shST3GAL6 MM1s GFP-Luc+ cells revealed a reduced homing ability of these cells in comparison to mice injected with scrambled control cells. Treatment of the MM cell lines MM1s and RPMI-8226 with a sialyltransferase inhibitor 3Fax-Neu5Ac resulted in almost complete elimination of cell surface sLex and/or sLea expression as determined by HECA-452 staining. Following pre-treatment with 3Fax-Neu5Ac, MM1S cells grown in co-culture with BMSC’s cells showed increased sensitivity to Bortezomib compared to cells treated with bortezomib alone. Conclusions shRNA knockdown of ST3GAL6 in MM cells significantly inhibits adhesion and migration in vitro with reduced homing and proliferation potential in vivo. In conjunction with the results of enzymatic inhibition this indicates that sialylation may play an important role in the malignant behavior of MM cells. Studies are ongoing to address the potential role of altered glycosylation in MM. Disclosures: Ghobrial: Onyx: Advisoryboard Other; BMS: Advisory board, Advisory board Other, Research Funding; Noxxon: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding.

scholarly journals MiR-18a-5p Promotes NPC Cell Proliferation, Invasion, Migration, and EMT by Targeting SMAD2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengcheng Li ◽  
Junhui Xing ◽  
Jianwu Jiang ◽  
Xinyu Tian ◽  
Xuemeng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Reporter Assay ◽  
Invasion And Migration ◽  
Metastasis Model ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay

Abstract Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common malignant tumor in the head and neck that is characterized by high local malignant invasion and distant metastasis. miR-18a-5p reportedly plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying miR-18a-5p’s role in NPC.Methods：Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-18a-5p in NPC tissues and cell lines. MTT assay and plate clone formation assay were used to detect the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC cell proliferation. Woundhealing assays and Transwell assays were used to detect the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC cell invasion and migration. The expressions of epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins N-cadherin, Vimentin, and E-cadherin were detected by Westernblot. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to detect the targeting interaction between miR-18a-5p and SMAD2. Xenotransplantation and metastasis model were used to detect the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC growth and metastasis in vivo.Results:miR-18a-5p was highly expressed in NPC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-18a-5p promotedNPC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT process, whereas inhibition of miR-18a-5p expression led to the oppositeresults. Results of dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that SMAD2 was the target gene of miR-18a-5p, and SMAD2 could reverse the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC cell line. Xenotransplantation and metastasis model experiments in nude mice showed that miR-18a-5p promotesNPC growth and metastasis in vivo.Conclusions:Targeting SMAD2 downregulated miR-18a-5p expression, thereby promoting NPC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT.

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