Effect of miRNA-200b on the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by targeting RhoA

Objective This article aims to investigate the effect of miRNA-200b on the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by targeting RhoA. Methods HeLa cells of cervical cancer were divided into five groups: blank control group, negative control group (miRNA-200b mimic NC), miRNA-200b mimic group, RhoA-negative control group, and RhoA overexpression group. Cells were collected 48 h after transfection. The expression levels of miRNA-200b were detected by RT-PCR. Target relationship between miRNA-200b and RhoA was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. RhoA mRNA and protein expression were detected by western blot and RT-PCR methods. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of cells in each group, and the CCK8 method was used to detect the proliferation of cells in each group. The mRNA and protein expression of Bax and cyclin D1 were detected by RT-PCR and western blot. Results The results of the dual luciferase reporter assay showed that RhoA was the target gene of microRNA 200b. Compared with the blank control group and the miRNA-200b mimic-NC group, the proportion of apoptotic cells increased significantly in the miRNA-200b mimic group, and the proliferation of cells was inhibited (P < 0.05). After overexpression of RhoA, the percentage of apoptotic cells decreased and the ability of cell proliferation increased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion miRNA-200b can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by targeting the RhoA gene.