MiR-152 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells by inhibiting FGF2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. Here, we showed that miR-152 was downregulated in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-152 suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation and also limited migration and invasion. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was confirmed as a direct target of miR-152. FGF2 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, whereas FGF2 overexpression partially reversed the suppressive effect of miR-152. Furthermore, the presence of miR-152 was inversely correlated with FGF2 in NSCLC tissues. Overall, this study demonstrated that miR-152 suppressed the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells by downregulating FGF2. These findings provide novel insights with potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of NSCLC. The growth and spread of lung cancer cells in tissue culture can be slowed by boosting levels of a specific microRNA. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs, known to regulate gene expression and play a role in some cancers. Tumor cells from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have lower levels of one particular microRNA, called miR-152, according to Zhenshun Cheng from China's WuHan University and colleagues. Increasing levels of the microRNA inhibited cancer cell growth and spread by targeting fibroblast growth factor 2, a protein that has previously been linked to cell division and blood vessel growth. NSCLC accounts for over 80% of all lung cancers and carries a dismal prognosis. Understanding exactly how miR-152 produces its effects will aid in the development of improved treatments and prognostic tools.