<i>MiR-638</i> suppresses the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma through wnt/β-catenin pathway by targeting phospholipase D1

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> The current study aimed to explore the function of <i>miR-638</i> on the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and relevant molecular mechanisms. <b>Methods:</b> Expression profile of <i>miR-638</i> in OSCC tissues and cells was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method. Chi-square test was performed to estimate the relationship between <i>miR-638</i> and clinical parameters of OSCC cases. Cell viability and motility abilities were estimated using MTT and transwell assays, respectively. Potential targets of <i>miR-638</i> in OSCC were identified through bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. <b>Results:</b> <i>MiR-638</i> exhibited decreased expression in OSCC tissues and cells, compared to non-cancerous controls (<i>P</i> < .05 for both). Moreover, its down-regulation was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis (<i>P</i> = .044) and TNM stages (<i>P</i> = .001). Enforced <i>miR-638</i> expression reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while its knockdown exhibited opposite effects. Phospholipase D1 (<i>PLD1</i>) was confirmed as a target of <i>miR-638</i> in OSCC. <i>MiR-638</i> could inhibit wnt/β-catenin pathway through targeting <i>PLD1</i>, thus realizing its anti-tumour action in OSCC. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>MiR-638</i> may be a tumour suppressor in OSCC by targeting <i>PLD1</i>/Wnt/β-catenin pathway.