miR-29a sensitizes the response of glioma cells to temozolomide by modulating the P53/MDM2 feedback loop

Recently, pivotal functions of miRNAs in regulating common tumorigenic processes and manipulating signaling pathways in brain tumors have been recognized; notably, miR‐29a is closely associated with p53 signaling, contributing to the development of glioma. However, the molecular mechanism of the interaction between miR-29a and p53 signaling is still to be revealed. Herein, a total of 30 glioma tissues and 10 non-cancerous tissues were used to investigate the expression of miR‐29a. CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay were applied to identify the effects of miR-29a altered expression on the malignant biological behaviors of glioma cells in vitro, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to further validate the regulatory effect of p53 or miR-29a on miR-29a or MDM2, respectively, at the transcriptional level. The results showed that miR-29a expression negatively correlated with tumor grade of human gliomas; at the same time it inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis of glioma cells in vitro. Mechanistically, miR-29a expression was induced by p53, leading to aberrant expression of MDM2 targeted by miR-29a, and finally imbalanced the activity of the p53-miR-29a-MDM2 feedback loop. Moreover, miR-29a regulating p53/MDM2 signaling sensitized the response of glioma cells to temozolomide treatment. Altogether, the study demonstrated a potential molecular mechanism in the tumorigenesis of glioma, while offering a possible target for treating human glioma in the future. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-021-00266-9.