Overexpression of micro ribonucleic acid‐591 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer refractory to current therapies. Reduced expression of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)‐591 in a range of cancer types has suggested it is a potent tumor suppressor, and overexpression has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth. The role of miR‐591 in MPM is largely unknown. METHODS: miR‐591 was over‐expressed in vitro using micro RNA mimics in three MPM cell lines (H513, H2052, H2373), and effects on tumor cell growth, proliferation, invasion, and target gene expression were assessed. RESULTS: miR‐591 mimic was introduced into MPM cell lines to overexpress this microRNA. The cellular growth, proliferation, and invasive capability was significantly inhibited after overexpression of miR‐591. Growth inhibition caused by miR‐591 correlated with upregulation of p21 and Bax. Reduced invasive capability correlated with downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and transforming growth factor‐β1. CONCLUSION: miR‐591 is a potent tumor suppressor in MPM. Overexpression of miR‐591 may represent a novel therapeutic approach for MPM.