microRNA-137 downregulates MCL1 in ovarian cancer cells and mediates cisplatin-induced apoptosis

Aim: miR-137 is downregulated in various cancers; however, its function in ovarian cancer remains unclear. Methods: The roles of miR-137 in apoptosis were accessed through IC50 values and DAPI assay. The regulation of MCL1 by miR-137 was investigated through luciferase reporter assay and immunoblot. Results: miR-137 mimic could decrease the IC50 value of cisplatin and promote apoptosis in OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells. Using luciferase assay, results on a panel of anti-apoptotic proteins, we identified MCL1 as a target for miR-137 and the results were confirmed using immunoblot. Finally, the underlying pathway in which miR-137 may be involved was investigated by transcriptome sequencing. Conclusion: These results suggest that miR-137 downregulates MCL1 in ovarian cancer cells and mediates cisplatin-induced apoptosis.