UBE2C, targeted by miR-140-3p, promotes the progression of osteosarcoma via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Background: UBE2C was reported to play carcinogenic effects in diverse cancers. However, the role of UBE2C in osteosarcoma was poorly understood, and its functional mechanisms were not fully clarified.

Methods: RT-qPCR was used to assess the expression of UBE2C mRNA and miR-140-3p, and western blot technique was used to examine the UBE2C protein and PI3K/AKT pathway-associated proteins. CCK-8 test was applied to measure cell proliferation, and wound healing assay were used to measure migration. Using animal studies, the function of UBE2C in vivo was evaluated. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the potential interaction among UBE2C and miR-140-3p.

Results: In osteosarcoma cells as well as tumor samples, UBE2C was strongly expressed. Osteosarcoma cell proliferation as well as cell migration were inhibited by UBE2C knockdown, and PI3K/AKT signaling activity was diminished. In addition, UBE2C knockdown impeded tumor growth in animal models. UBE2C expression was lessened by miR-140-3p as miR-140-3p targets it. UBE2C is overexpressed which promote osteosarcoma proliferation as well as migration, and strengthened the PI3K/AKT signaling activity, while forced miR-140-3p expression partially abolished these effects.

Conclusion: UBE2C, targeted by miR-140-3p, drove carcinogenic effects in osteosarcoma through activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.