Regulation of MYB mediated cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells involves miR-21-wnt signaling axis

c-MYB has been reported to be elevated in few cancers, including in ovarian cancer. It influences resistance to cisplatin but the details are not very well understood. The objective of this study was to further evaluate role of c-MYB in ovarian cancer’s cisplatin resistance. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer, we focused on the epigenetic regulation by miRNAs. Two cell lines, ES2 and OVCAR3, were used as the model systems. C-MYB expression was either up-regulated or silenced and the resulting effect on cisplatin resistance evaluated, along with the mechanistic role of miR-21, through transfections with pre/anti-miRNAs. An in vivo cisplatin resistance model was also employed to verify findings. High c-MYB correlated with increased miR-21. High c-MYB also resulted in induction of EMT and increased resistance against cisplatin which was attenuated by anti-miR-200s. c-MYB decreased β-catenin phosphorylation and thus activated wnt signaling. Silencing of c-MYB resulted in reduced miR-21 levels, reduced EMT, reduced cisplatin IC-50s and increased β-catenin phosphorylation. In an in vivo mice model of cisplatin resistance, c-MYB overexpressing ES2 xenografts were more aggressive than their control counterparts. These c-MYB overexpressing ES xenografts were significantly more resistant to cisplatin but could be sensitized to cisplatin by anti-miR-21. Our results provide a novel mechanism of cisplatin resistance by c-MYB which involves an essential role of miR-21.