MicroRNA-132 cause apoptosis of glioma cells through blockade of the SREBP-1c metabolic pathway related to SIRT1.

BACKGROUND: The inhibition role of miRNA (microRNA or miR) on cancer signaling pathways has been used to prospective cancer treatment. SIRT1 might promote tumorigenesis in human glioma.

METHODS: Here, we investigated whether miR-132 regulate the expression of SIRT1 and its downstream SREBP (Sterol regulatory element-binding protein)-lipogenesis-cholesterogenesis metabolic pathway in human glioma cells. Furthermore, we studied the effect on biology function of glioma cell induced by miR-132.

RESULTS: MiR-132 inhibited SIRT1 and SREBP-1c expression and downregulated their targeted genes, including HMGCR and FASN. MiR-132 suppressed the cell growth, tumorigenicity, the invasion of glioma cells and migration as well as promoted their apoptosis. The pathways associated with cancer progression and tumorigenicity, and induce glioma cell apoptosis has been inhibited by miR-132 involving in a caspase-dependent apoptotic mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS: The recovery of miR-132 resulted in caspase-dependent apoptotic death in glioma cells. MiR-132 that was newly discovered represents a newly targeting mechanism in treatment for glioma.