Figure 3.

miR-320b targets USP37 in lung cancer cells

(A) Different online tools (microT, StarBase, and miRWalk) predicted miR-320b targets visualized by a Venn diagram. (B) Expression of the 12 predicted targets of miR-320b in lung cancer tissues and normal lung tissues analyzed by UALCAN website. (C) Representative images and results of immunoblotting analysis detecting the expression of USP37 in lung tissues obtained from lung cancer patients with OSAH (n = 27) or without OSAH (n = 68) (∗p < 0.05, lung cancer + OSAH versus lung cancer). (D) Correlation analysis between miR-320b and USP37 in patients with lung cancer and OSAH. (E) Representative images and results of western blot analysis detecting the expression of USP37 in lung cancer cells and NHBE cells (∗p < 0.05, A549, H1299, Calu-3, and H1650 versus NHBE). (F) Predicted miR-320b targeting sequences on USP37 3′ UTR. (G) Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay evaluating the interactions between miR-320b and predicted sequences on USP37 3′ UTR (∗p < 0.05, miR-320b mimic versus miR-NC). (H) qRT-PCR evaluating the expression of miR-320b in lung cancer cells transfected with miR-320b mimic, miR-320b inhibitor, and NCs (∗p < 0.05, miR-320b mimic versus miR-NC; #p < 0.05, miR-320b inhibitor versus NC inhibitor). (I) Representative images and results of western blot analysis measuring the expression of USP37 in lung cancer cells transfected with miR-320b mimic, miR-320b inhibitor, and NCs (∗p < 0.05, miR-320b mimic versus miR-NC; #p < 0.05, miR-320b inhibitor versus NC inhibitor). Data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation. Data between two groups were compared using an unpaired t test. Comparisons among multiple groups were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. The correlation between miR-320b and USP37 was analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient.