MiR-23b controls ALDH1A1 expression in cervical cancer stem cells

BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells has been widely investigated due to its essential role in cancer progression and drug resistance. Here, we try to find a new therapeutic target for cervical cancer stem cells. METHODS: We detected ALDH1A1-associated miRNAs expression in our isolated tumorspheres and their corresponding parental cells. Sphere formation assay was also used to determine stemness after cells were manipulated with miR-23b plasmid or miR-23b inhibitor. RESULTS: We found that miR-23b was under-expressed in cervical cancer stem cells to maintain high levels of ALDH1A1. Introduction of miR-23b into cervical cancer cells could alter stemness and cisplatin sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: miR-23b plays key role in maintaining stemness of cervical cancer stem cells and can be developed as therapeutic target to better fight against cervical cancer. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3192-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.