Tumor Suppressor microRNA-138 Suppresses Low-Grade Glioma Development and Metastasis via Regulating IGF2BP2

Background Low-grade gliomas (LGG), approximately constitute one-third of all types of gliomas, are prone to relapse and metastasis. MicroRNA-138 (miR-138) is reported to be dysregulated in diverse human tumors and mainly function as a tumor suppressor. In this study, we analyzed the expression profile and function of miR-138 in LGG. Methods Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and public database bioinformatics analysis were performed to determine the miR-138 levels in LGG. MiR-138 overexpression in LGG cells was achieved by miR-138 mimics transfection. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK8, EdU and colony formation assays. Cell invasion and migration were analyzed by transwell and wound-healing assays. Xenograft model was employed to study the role of miR-138 in LGG growth in vivo. The target of miR-138 was validated by multiple methods, such as luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR and Western blot. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms by which miR-138 contributed to LGG progression. Results miR-138 was significantly downregulated in LGG tumor tissues and low expression of miR-138 was significantly associated with poor prognosis as well as relapse and metastasis in LGG patients. Functional analysis indicated that ectopic miR-138 expression suppressed LGG cell growth and invasive phenotype in vitro, and inhibited tumor development in vivo. Moreover, miR-138 directly targeted and repressed insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) by targeting the 3'-UTR of IGF2BP2, inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) to attenuate LGG aggressiveness. In addition, we found that elevated IGF2BP2 expression correlates with poor survival of LGG patients. Conclusion miR-138 may function as a tumor inhibitor by directly inhibiting IGF2BP2 and suppressing EMT in the progression of LGG.