ZEB1 induces non-small cell lung cancer development by targeting microRNA-320a to increase the expression of RAD51AP1

Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, with its mortality rate reported to be in millions annually; one of the two subtypes is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the interactions and expressions of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), microRNA-320a (miR-320a) and RAD51-associated protein 1 (RAD51AP1) in NSCLC tissues to determine the roles of ZEB1 in regulation of miR-320a and RAD51AP1 in the development and metastasis of NSCLC. First, the expression levels of miR-320a and ZEB1 were quantified in NSCLC tissues and cells. Transfection assay was conducted to identify the effects of miR-320a on the progression of NSCLC cells. The interaction of miR-320a with ZEB1 and RAD51AP1 was predicted and verified using dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Finally, subcutaneous xenograft tumors of 6-week mice and metastatic model tumors of 8-week mice were established to further explore the in vivo effect of miR-320a/ZEB1/RAD51AP1 on NSCLC. The findings revealed a lower expression of miR-320a in NSCLC tissues and cells, while this result was reversed regarding ZEB1 expression. ZEB1 suppressed miR-320a expression and upregulation of miR-320a resulted in the reduction of proliferation, invasion and metastasis rate of NSCLC cells, and promoted NSCLC cell apoptosis. ZEB1 promoted the expression of RAD51AP1 via inhibition of miR-320a, promoting tumor growth in vivo. ZEB1 transcriptionally inhibited the expression of miR-320a and upregulated the expression of RAD51AP1, thereby promoting metastasis in NSCLC.