The microRNA-1246 promotes metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein 4

BACKGROUND: The microRNAs present a class of non-coding RNAs which are usually implicated in tumor biology. Recent report has unraveled that a novel member of microRNA family called miR-1246. However, the functional role and molecular mechanisms of miR-1246 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still elusive. METHODS: Using RT-PCR, luciferase reporter, mRNA microarrays, invasion and migration assays, we investigated the potential role of miR-1246 in the pathogenesis of NSCLC. RESULTS: In this study, we showed that miR-1246 markedly promoted NSCLC cell migration and invasion. Meanwhile, we found that cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 4 (CPEB4) might be involved and serve as a direct target of miR-1246 in NSCLC. CPEB4 knockdown substantially enhanced NSCLC migration and invasion resembling the effect of miR-1246 in NSCLC. CPEB4 is also frequently downregulated in NSCLC and decreased CPEB4 expression correlated with poor survival. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the miR-1246 may promote cell metastasis by targeting CPEB4. Meanwhile, the level of CPEB4 could be used as a potential marker in NSCLC patients. Our findings unraveled novel functions of miR-1246 in lung cancer cells and shed light on NSCLC prognosis. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13000-015-0366-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.