Loss of miR-124 and miR-137 Expression in Glioblastoma Multiforme and Their Roles in Glioma Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

Background: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a common malignant brain tumor. It is characterized by rapid growth and high tumor heterogeneity. The molecular mechanisms driving GBM tumorigenesis and progression are not yet fully elucidated.Methods: miR-124, and miR-137, expression in 43 high-grade GBM tumor tissues was measured by real-time PCR and compared with expression in 24 normal brain tissues. The effects of miR-124, and miR-137, overexpression on glioma U251 cell proliferation and differentiation were analyzed. Tuj1 and GFAP expression was detected using immunofluorescence staining. Cell proliferation was detected with flow cytometry.Results: miR-124, and miR-137, expression was significantly decreased in GBM tumor tissues compared to normal brain tissues (p < 0.01). Immunofluorescence showed, after miR-124 and miR-137 transfection, normal synapse growth structure in GBM, and that neuronal differentiation factor expression significantly increased, including Tuj1 and GFAP. Flow cytometry analysis showed that GBM cell cycle extension and differentiation was repressed.Conclusion: miR-124, and miR-137, function as tumor suppressors to inhibit cell proliferation and differentiation and in GBM, their expression was significantly decreased.