Down-regulated expression of miR-134 contributes to paclitaxel resistance in human ovarian cancer cells

MiR-134 has been reported to have a role in the development and progression of various cancers. In this study, we found that miR-134 expression was significantly decreased in chemo-resistant serous epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. Over-expression of miR-134 enhanced the sensitivity of SKOV3-TR30 cells to paclitaxel, and increased paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Further, Pak2 was identified as a direct target of miR-134, and Pak2-specific siRNA increased cell inhibition rate and promoted paclitaxal-induced apoptosis. By regulating Pak2 expression, miR-134 could mediate Bad phosphorylation at Ser112 and Ser136, which affected cell survival and apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings indicate that repression of miR-134 and consequent up-regulation of Pak2 might contribute to paclitaxel resistance.