MiR-187^∗ enhances SiHa cervical cancer cell oncogenicity via suppression of WWOX

Background/Aim: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and a major cause of cancer-related mortality among women. Previous studies have reported that microRNA-miR-187^∗, which is one of the non-coding parts of the genome producing small conserved ribonucleic acids, is associated with various cancers. In this study, we explored the function of miR-187^∗ in cervical cancer cells. Materials and Methods: miR-187^∗ mimic, WWOX reporter constructs, siRNA and overexpression constructs were transfected into SiHa cells to investigate the function and regulatory mechanisms of miR-187^∗. Results: Exogenous miR-187^∗ was found to increase the oncogenic phenotypes of SiHa cells. The tumor suppressor gene WWOX is a novel target of miR-187^∗ in SiHa cells. WWOX siRNA suppressed endogenous WWOX expression and increased the oncogenic phenotypes of SiHa cells. Exogenous WWOX expression was able to suppress the oncogenic phenotypes of SiHa cells and rescue cells from miR-187^∗-induced migration. Conclusion: miR-187^∗ seems to enhance SiHa cervical cancer cell oncogenicity via suppression of the WWOX pathway.