miR-26b Mimic Inhibits Glioma Proliferation In Vitro and In Vivo Suppressing COX-2 Expression

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the nervous system. Studies have shown the microRNA-26b (miR-26b)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) axis in the development and progression in many tumor cells. Our study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of the miR-26b/COX-2 axis in glioma. Decreased expression of miR-26b with increased levels of COX-2 was found in glioma tissues compared with matched normal tissues. A strong negative correlation was observed between the level of miR-26b and COX-2 in 30 glioma tissues. The miR-26b was then overexpressed by transfecting a miR-26b mimic into U-373 cells. The invasive cell number and wound closing rate were reduced in U-373 cells transfected with miR-26b mimic. In addition, COX-2 siRNA enhanced the effect of miR-26b mimic in suppressing the expression of p-ERK1 and p-JNK. Finally, the in vivo experiment revealed that miR-26b mimic transfection strongly reduced the tumor growth, tumor volume, and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9. Taken together, our research indicated a miR-26b/COX-2/ERK/JNK axis in regulating the motility of glioma in vitro and in vivo, providing a new sight for the treatment of glioma.