MiR-125b-5p/STAT3 Axis Regulates Drug Resistance in Osteosarcoma Cells by Acting on ABC Transporters

BACKGROUND: The poor prognosis of the highly malignant tumor osteosarcoma stems from its drug resistance and therefore exploring its resistance mechanisms will help us identify more effective treatment options. However, the effects of miR-125b-5p on drug resistance in osteosarcoma cells are still unclear. METHODS: To study the effects of miR-125b-5p on drug resistance in osteosarcoma cells. Osteosarcoma-resistant miR-125b-5p was obtained from the databases GeneCards and g:Profiler. CCK8, western blot, and transwell were applied for the detection of the miR-125b-5p effects on proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and drug resistance in osteosarcoma. Bioinformatics is aimed at demonstrating the targeting factor miR-125b-5p, performing protein interaction enrichment analysis by Metascape, and finally validating by binding sites. RESULTS: Upregulation of miR-125b-5p restrains proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma and promotes apoptosis. In addition, miR-125b-5p can restore drug sensitivity in drug-resistant osteosarcoma. miR-125-5p restrains the signal transducer and inhibits the transcription 3 (STAT3) expression activator via targeting its 3′-UTR. STAT3 affects drug-resistant osteosarcoma to regulate the ABC transporter. CONCLUSION: miR-125b-5p/STAT3 axis mediates the drug resistance of osteosarcoma by acting on ABC transporter.