Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study investigates whether miR‐31, miR‐96, and miR‐182 are involved in targeting Numb during HNSCC.
Methods
The expression of miR‐31/96/182 in tumor tissues was analyzed. Reporter assay, knockdown, expression, and oncogenic analysis were carried out in cell lines.
Results
Upregulation of miR‐31/96/182 was detected in tumor tissues. In addition, advanced tumors showed higher expression levels of these miRNAs. The expression of these miRNAs was upregulated after treatment with areca ingredients (P < .01 or P < .001). These miRNAs directly targeted the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) sequence of the Numb gene. An increased migration and invasion of HNSCC cells was associated with the exogenous expression of miR‐31/96/182 (P < .01 or P < .001), and this was reverted by expression of Numb.
Conclusion
This study provides new evidence demonstrating that there is frequent and concordant upregulation of miR‐31, miR‐96, and miR‐182 during HNSCC and these miRNAs co‐target Numb.