A-to-I RNA Edited miR-3167 Restrains Malignant Behaviors of Lung Adenocarcinoma by Influencing SSR2-Meditated Hippo Signaling.

Abstract

Recently, RNA editing, as a natural modification process of RNA molecules, has aroused extensive interest in the scientific community. This study elaborated the role and process of A-to-I RNA edited miR-3167 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were employed for the detection of miRNA and gene expressions. The function of miRNA was investigated through Transwell, CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to assess the link between gene and miRNA. The level of A-to-I RNA editing for miR-3167 was declined in LUAD tissues, which was linked to adverse clinical outcomes and prognosis in LUAD patients. In LUAD, ADAR2 enzyme is responsible for mediating the A-to-I RNA editing of miR-3167. Functionally, LUAD cell viability and metastasis were scarcely influenced by wt-miR-3167, while miR-3167 displayed antitumor activity in LUAD post A-to-I RNA editing. Mechanically, SSR2 is directly targeted by ed-miR-3167 in LUAD, but not wt-miR-3167. SSR2 served as a tumor promoter in LUAD progression by inactivating Hippo signaling and hindering immune infiltration. Ed-miR-3167 exerted tumor inhibitory effect in LUAD by weakening the carcinogenesis of SSR2. A-to-I RNA edited miR-3167 curbs malignant behaviors of LUAD by activating Hippo signaling through downregulating SSR2, indicating that edited miR-3167 has the potential as a therapeutic target for LUAD.