MicroRNA-30c functions as a tumor suppressor via targeting SNAI1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Background Aberrant expression of miRNAs was involved in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis in multiple cancers. Many kinds of microRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have been researched, whereas miR-30c has not been included. Methods Firstly, we explored the expression of miR-30c in ESCC tissue and serum samples and its relations to the survival. To further investigate its effects on ESCC cells, we completed a series of experiments. We detected the effects of ectopic miR-30c expression on the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro . We identified the target role of SNAI1 in ESCC using Dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blot assay. Results The results showed miR-30c was significant down-regulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Clinically, we found lower miR-30c expression was significantly correlated with worse ESCC progression and survival. Also we clarified that miR-30c suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ESCC cell lines. What's more, we figured out that miR-30c inhibits ESCC biological behaviors and EMT progress by directly binding to the 3′-UTR of SNAI1 . Conclusion This study provides new insight into the mechanism responsible for the development of human ESCC. Therefore, miR-30c could be a promising biomarker and a therapeutic target for ESCC in the future.