MicroRNA-29c enhances the sensitivities of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma to cisplatin-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy

This study was aimed to investigate the potential role of microRNA-29c (miR-29c) in regulating the sensitivities of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to ionizing radiation (IR) and cisplatin. Low expression of miR-29c was positively associated with therapeutic resistance in 159 NPC cases. Our further in vitro and in vivo studies illustrated ectopic restoration of miR-29c substantially enhanced the sensitivity of NPC cells to IR and cisplatin treatment by promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, we detected miR-29c repressed expression of anti-apoptotic factors, Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 in NPC tissues and cell lines. These data indicate miR-29c might serve as a potential therapeutic sensitizer in NPC treatment.

► MiR-29c downregulation in tumor is closely associated with a poor therapeutic response in NPC patients.
► MiR-29c overexpression could sensitize NPC cells to either radiation or cisplatin by promoting cell apoptosis.
► The expression level of miR-29c is inversely correlated with 2 anti-apoptotic targets Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 in NPC tissues.