miR-142-3p is a novel regulator of cell viability and proinflammatory signalling in endometrial stroma cells

MALAT1 accelerates proliferation and inflammation and suppresses apoptosis of endometrial stromal cells via the microRNA-142-3p/CXCR7 axis

MALAT1, microRNA (miR)-142-3p, and CXCR7 are critical molecules mediating endometriosis progression, and their correlation in endometriosis has been barely discussed. Thus, this research sought to survey the impact of MALAT1 on endometrial stromal cell (ESC) proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation via miR-142-3p/CXCR7 axis to promote explorations on endometriosis. In endometrial tissues and ESCs, CXCR7 expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis and miR-142-3p and MALAT1 expression by qRT-PCR. Then, ESC proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 and EdU labeling assays, apoptosis by flow cytometry, and levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in ESC supernatant by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The interactions among CXCR7, miR-142-3p, and MALAT1 were evaluated by dual luciferase reporter gene, RNA pull-down, and Argonaute 2- RNA immunoprecipitation assays. At last, the relevance of miR-142-3p to MALAT1 and that of miR-142-3p to CXCR7 in ectopic endometrial tissues were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. CXCR7 and MALAT1 were overexpressed whilst miR-142-3p was lowly expressed in ectopic endometrial tissues. CXCR7 silencing or miR-142-3p overexpression reduced proliferative ability and enhanced apoptosis rate in ESCs and decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in cell supernatant. miR-142-3p negatively targeted CXCR7 while MALAT1 negatively targeted miR-142-3p. However, MALAT1 silencing diminished ESC proliferation and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in ESC supernatant and elevated ESC apoptosis, which was counterweighed by inhibiting miR-142-3p. Conclusively, MALAT1 promoted ESC proliferation and inflammatory factor expression and inhibited ESC apoptosis via miR-142-3p/CXCR axis.

The combined restoration of miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p effectively inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell line via modulating apoptosis, proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle and autophagy

BACKGROUND

The combined restoration of tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRs) has been identified as a promising approach for inhibiting breast cancer development. This study investigated the effect of the combined restoration of miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p on MCF-7 cells and compared the efficacy of the combined therapy with the monotherapies with miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p.

METHODS

After transfection of miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p mimics into MCF-7 cells in the combined and separated manner, the proliferation of tumoral cells was assessed by the MTT assay. Also, the apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle of the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to study the expression levels of c-Myc, Bcl-2, Bax, STAT-3, Oct-3, and Beclin-1.

RESULTS

Our results have demonstrated that the combined restoration of miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p is more effective in inhibiting tumor proliferation via upregulating Bax and Beclin-1 and downregulating Bcl-2 and c-Myc. Besides, the combined therapy has arrested the cell cycle in the sub-G1 and G2 phases and has suppressed the clonogenicity via downregulating STAT-3 and Oct-3, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The combined restoration of miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p is more effective in inhibiting MCF-7 breast cancer development than monotherapies with miR-424-5p and miR-142-3p.

Clues for Improving the Pathophysiology Knowledge for Endometriosis Using Plasma Micro-RNA Expression

The pathophysiology of endometriosis remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate functions and pathways associated with the various miRNAs differentially expressed in patients with endometriosis. Plasma samples of the 200 patients from the prospective "ENDO-miRNA" study were analyzed and all known human miRNAs were sequenced. For each miRNA, sensitivity, specificity, and ROC AUC values were calculated for the diagnosis of endometriosis. miRNAs with an AUC ≥ 0.6 were selected for further analysis. A comprehensive review of recent articles from the PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was performed to identify functions and pathways associated with the selected miRNAs. In total, 2633 miRNAs were found in the patients with endometriosis. Among the 57 miRNAs with an AUC ≥ 0.6: 20 had never been reported before; one (miR-124-3p) had previously been observed in endometriosis; and the remaining 36 had been reported in benign and malignant disorders. miR-124-3p is involved in ectopic endometrial cell proliferation and invasion and plays a role in the following pathways: mTOR, STAT3, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, ERK, PLGF-ROS, FGF2-FGFR, MAPK, GSK3B/β-catenin. Most of the remaining 36 miRNAs are involved in carcinogenesis through cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. The three main pathways involved are Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, and NF-KB. Our results provide evidence of the relation between the miRNA profiles of patients with endometriosis and various signaling pathways implicated in its pathophysiology.

Circulating miRNAs Related to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions (EMT) as the New Molecular Markers in Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue found outside the uterus, most commonly in the peritoneal cavity. Endometriosis lesions are heterogenous but usually contain endometrial stromal cells and epithelial glands, immune cell infiltrates and are vascularized and innervated by nerves. The complex etiopathogenesis and heterogenity of the clinical symptoms, as well as the lack of a specific non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers, underline the need for more advanced diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, the contribution of environmental, hormonal and immunological factors in the disease etiology is insufficient, and the contribution of genetic/epigenetic factors is still fragmentary. Therefore, there is a need for more focused study on the molecular mechanisms of endometriosis and non-invasive diagnostic monitoring systems. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) demonstrate high stability and tissue specificity and play a significant role in modulating a range of molecular pathways, and hence may be suitable diagnostic biomarkers for the origin and development of endometriosis. Of these, the most frequently studied are those related to endometriosis, including those involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), whose expression is altered in plasma or endometriotic lesion biopsies; however, the results are ambiguous. Specific miRNAs expressed in endometriosis may serve as diagnostics markers with prognostic value, and they have been proposed as molecular targets for treatment. The aim of this review is to present selected miRNAs associated with EMT known to have experimentally confirmed significance, and discuss their utility as biomarkers in endometriosis.

miR-142-3p Reduces the Size, Migration, and Contractility of Endometrial and Endometriotic Stromal Cells by Targeting Integrin- and Rho GTPase-Related Pathways That Regulate Cytoskeletal Function

Downregulated microRNA-142-3p signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, an invasive disease where the lining of the uterus grows at ectopic locations, by yet incompletely understood mechanisms. Using bioinformatics and in vitro assays, this study identifies cytoskeletal regulation and integrin signaling as two relevant categories of miR-142-3p targets. qPCR revealed that miR-142-3p upregulation in St-T1b cells downregulates Rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2), cofilin 2 (CFL2), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1), neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASL), and integrin α-V (ITGAV). qPCR and Western-blotting showed miR-142-3p effect on WASL and ITGAV was significant also in primary endometriotic stroma cells. Luciferase reporter assays in ST-T1b cells then confirmed direct regulation of ITGAV and WASL. On the functional side, miR-142-3p upregulation significantly reduced ST-T1b cell size, the size of vinculin plaques, migration through fibronectin-coated transwell filters, and the ability of ST-T1b and primary endometriotic stroma cells to contract collagen I gels. These results suggest that miR-142-3p has a strong mechanoregulatory effect on endometrial stroma cells and its external administration reduces the invasive endometrial phenotype. Within the limits of an in vitro investigation, our study provides new mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of endometriosis and provides a perspective for the development of miR-142-3p based drugs for inhibiting invasive growth of endometriotic cells.

Role of Non-coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma like lesions outside of the uterus. Although several hypothesis have tried to explain the underlying cause of endometriosis, yet the main cause remained obscure. Recent studies have shown contribution of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Two classes of these transcripts namely long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have mostly attracted attention of researchers. Several studies have reported aberrant expression of these transcripts in affected tissues from patients as well as animal models. Modulation of important signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, P38-MAPK, ERK1/2-MAPK and Wnt-β catenin by miRNAs and lncRNAs have potentiated these molecules as biomarkers or therapeutic agents in endometriosis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms with miR-126, miR-143 and miR-146b have been associated with risk of endometriosis. Moreover, miRNAs and lncRNAs control inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, thus understanding the role of these transcripts in endometriosis is a possible way to develop novel diagnostic tests and therapeutic targets for this disorder.

MicroRNAs in endometriosis: biological function and emerging biomarker candidates†

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNA molecules, have been recognized as key post-transcriptional regulators associated with a multitude of human diseases. Global expression profiling studies have uncovered hundreds of miRNAs that are dysregulated in several diseases, and yielded many candidate biomarkers. This review will focus on miRNAs in endometriosis, a common chronic disease affecting nearly 10% of reproductive-aged women, which can cause pelvic pain, infertility, and a myriad of other symptoms. Endometriosis has delayed time to diagnosis when compared to other chronic diseases, as there is no current accurate, easily accessible, and noninvasive tool for diagnosis. Specific miRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for this disease in multiple studies. These and other miRNAs have been linked to target genes and functional pathways in disease-specific pathophysiology. Highlighting investigations into the roles of tissue and circulating miRNAs in endometriosis, published through June 2018, this review summarizes new connections between miRNA expression and the pathophysiology of endometriosis, including impacts on fertility. Future applications of miRNA biomarkers for precision medicine in diagnosing and managing endometriosis treatment are also discussed.

Plasma miRNAs Display Limited Potential as Diagnostic Tools for Endometriosis

CONTEXT

Despite extensive searches for novel noninvasive diagnostics, laparoscopy remains the reference test for endometriosis. Circulating miRNAs are purported endometriosis biomarkers; however, the miRNA species and their diagnostic accuracy differ between studies and have not been validated in independent cohorts.

OBJECTIVE

Identify endometriosis-specific plasma miRNAs and determine their diagnostic test accuracy.

SETTING

Two university-based, public hospitals and a private gynecology practice in Australia.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

Four phases: (i) Explorative phase. Plasma miRNA menstrual cycle fluctuations were evaluated in women with endometriosis and asymptomatic controls (n = 16). (ii) Biomarker discovery. Endometriosis-specific plasma miRNAs were identified in (a) women with endometriosis and asymptomatic controls (n = 16) and (b) women with and without surgically defined endometriosis (n = 20). (iii) Biomarker selection. Plasma miRNAs with the best diagnostic potential for endometriosis were selected in a surgically defined selection cohort (n = 78). (iv) Biomarker validation. The diagnostic test accuracy of these miRNAs was calculated in an independent, surgically defined validation cohort (n = 119).

RESULTS

Forty-nine miRNAs were differentially expressed in women with endometriosis. Nine maintained dysregulation in the selection cohort, but only three (miR-155, miR574-3p and miR139-3p) did so in the validation cohort. Combined, these three miRNAs demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 51%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Plasma miRNAs demonstrated modest sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic tests or triage tools for endometriosis. Other groups' findings were not replicated and accorded poorly with our results. Circulating miRNAs demonstrate diagnostic potential, but stringent, standardized methodological approaches are required for the development of a clinically applicable tool.

Modulation of the IL-6-Signaling Pathway in Liver Cells by miRNAs Targeting gp130, JAK1, and/or STAT3

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)-type cytokines share the common receptor glycoprotein 130 (gp130), which activates a signaling cascade involving Janus kinases (JAKs) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) transcription factors. IL-6 and/or its signaling pathway is often deregulated in diseases, such as chronic liver diseases and cancer. Thus, the identification of compounds inhibiting this pathway is of interest for future targeted therapies. We established novel cellular screening systems based on a STAT-responsive reporter gene (Cypridina luciferase). Of a library containing 538 microRNA (miRNA) mimics, several miRNAs affected hyper-IL-6-induced luciferase activities. When focusing on candidate miRNAs specifically targeting 3′ UTRs of signaling molecules of this pathway, we identified, e.g., miR-3677-5p as a novel miRNA affecting protein expression of both STAT3 and JAK1, whereas miR-16-1-3p, miR-4473, and miR-520f-3p reduced gp130 surface expression. Interestingly, combination treatment with 2 or 3 miRNAs targeting gp130 or different signaling molecules of the pathway did not increase the inhibitory effects on phospho-STAT3 levels and STAT3 target gene expression compared to treatment with single mimics. Taken together, we identified a set of miRNAs of potential therapeutic value for cancer and inflammatory diseases, which directly target the expression of molecules within the IL-6-signaling pathway and can dampen inflammatory signal transduction.

Non-coding RNAs in endometriosis: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a benign gynaecological disorder, which affects 10% of reproductive-aged women and is characterized by endometrial cells from the lining of the uterus being found outside the uterine cavity. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms causing the development of this heterogeneous disease remain enigmatic, and a lack of effective biomarkers necessitates surgical intervention for diagnosis. There is international recognition that accurate non-invasive diagnostic tests and more effective therapies are urgently needed. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules, which are important regulators of cellular function, have been implicated in many chronic conditions. In endometriosis, transcriptome profiling of tissue samples and functional in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that ncRNAs are key contributors to the disease process.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

In this review, we outline the biogenesis of various ncRNAs relevant to endometriosis and then summarize the evidence indicating their roles in regulatory pathways that govern disease establishment and progression.

SEARCH METHODS

Articles from 2000 to 2016 were selected for relevance, validity and quality, from results obtained in PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar using the following search terms: ncRNA and reproduction; ncRNA and endometriosis; miRNA and endometriosis; lncRNA and endometriosis; siRNA and endometriosis; endometriosis; endometrial; cervical; ovary; uterus; reproductive tract. All articles were independently screened for eligibility by the authors.

OUTCOMES

This review integrates extensive information from all relevant published studies focusing on microRNAs, long ncRNAs and short inhibitory RNAs in endometriosis. We outline the biological function and synthesis of microRNAs, long ncRNAs and short inhibitory RNAs and provide detailed findings from human research as well as functional studies carried out both in vitro and in vivo, including animal models. Although variability in findings between individual studies exists, collectively, the extant literature justifies the conclusion that dysregulated ncRNAs are a significant element of the endometriosis condition.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

There is a compelling case that microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and short inhibitory RNAs have the potential to influence endometriosis development and persistence through modulating inflammation, proliferation, angiogenesis and tissue remodelling. Rapid advances in ncRNA biomarker discovery and therapeutics relevant to endometriosis are emerging. Unravelling the significance of ncRNAs in endometriosis will pave the way for new diagnostic tests and identify new therapeutic targets and treatment approaches that have the potential to improve clinical options for women with this disabling condition.

Do MicroRNAs Modulate Visceral Pain?

Visceral pain, a common characteristic of multiple diseases relative to viscera, impacts millions of people worldwide. Although hundreds of studies have explored mechanisms underlying visceral pain, it is still poorly managed. Over the past decade, strong evidence emerged suggesting that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in visceral nociception through altering neurotransmitters, receptors and other genes at the posttranscriptional level. Under pathological conditions, one kind of miRNA may have several target mRNAs and several kinds of miRNAs may act on one target, suggesting complex interactions and mechanisms between miRNAs and target genes lead to pathological states. In this review we report on recent progress in examining miRNAs responsible for visceral sensitization and provide miRNA-based therapeutic targets for the management of visceral pain.

MicroRNAs and Endometriosis: Distinguishing Drivers from Passengers in Disease Pathogenesis

Endometriosis is a disease common in women of reproductive age, characterized by pelvic pain and infertility. Despite its prevalence, the factors and mechanisms which contribute to the development and survival of ectopic lesions remain uncertain. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate posttranscriptional gene regulation which have been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of many diseases including that of endometriosis. This review summarizes the results of initial studies describing differentially expressed miRNAs between endometriotic lesion tissue and eutopic endometrium. Focus then moves toward discussion of studies on examining function of differentially expressed miRNAs to determine if they play a permissive role (driver of the disease) in events conducive to endometriosis progression/survival. Included in this discussion are the potential targets of these miRNAs and how their mis-expression may contribute to the disease. Limitations and challenges faced in studying miRNAs and endometriosis pathogenesis and recommendations to overcome these hurdles are presented at the end.

Differential micro ribonucleic acid expression profiling in ovarian endometrioma with leuprolide acetate treatment

AIM

Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) play an important pathological role in endometriosis. Leuprolide acetate, an analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, is widely used to treat endometriosis; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in endometriotic tissue regression remain unclear. We performed miRNA expression profiling of clinical ovarian endometrioma to obtain insight into the effects of leuprolide acetate treatment.

METHODS

We obtained clinical samples from nine normal eutopic endometrium, eight ovarian endometriotic, and 12 leuprolide acetate-treated endometriotic tissues. We compared the miRNA expression profiles of the three groups by performing TaqMan Array MicroRNA Card and bioinformatic analysis.

RESULTS

Two miRNAs, miR-939 and miR-154, were upregulated in endometriotic tissue and downregulated in leuprolide acetate-treated endometriotic tissue. Five miRNAs (miR-146a, miR-142-3p, miR-136*, miR-125b-1* and miR-15b*) were unchanged in endometriotic tissue but were upregulated under leuprolide acetate treatment. Ingenuity pathway analysis using predicted target genes for the seven identified miRNAs suggested the involvement of a range of pathways, including axonal guidance, bone morphogenetic protein, phosphatase and tensin homolog and nitric oxide signaling; molecular mechanisms of cancer; and the adipogenesis and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report profiling the miRNAs of endometrioma under leuprolide acetate treatment. The expression of seven miRNAs was modulated, concomitant with the disease state. This result gives new insight into the effects of leuprolide acetate treatment. Further investigation using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry will allow us to validate the results of this study and to explore new therapeutic targets and biomarkers of endometriosis.

The Important Roles of Steroid Sulfatase and Sulfotransferases in Gynecological Diseases

Gynecological diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and uterine fibroids, and gynecological cancers including endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, affect a large proportion of women. These diseases are estrogen dependent, and their progression often depends on local estrogen formation. In peripheral tissues, estrogens can be formed from the inactive precursors dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estrone sulfate. Sulfatase and sulfotransferases have pivotal roles in these processes, where sulfatase hydrolyzes estrone sulfate to estrone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to dehydroepiandrosterone, and sulfotransferases catalyze the reverse reactions. Further activation of estrone to the most potent estrogen, estradiol, is catalyzed by 17-ketosteroid reductases, while estradiol can also be formed from dehydroepiandrosterone by the sequential actions of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-Δ⁴-isomerase, aromatase, and 17-ketosteroid reductase. This review introduces the sulfatase and sulfotransferase enzymes, in terms of their structures and reaction mechanisms, and the regulation and different transcripts of their genes, together with the importance of their currently known single nucleotide polymorphisms. Data on expression of sulfatase and sulfotransferases in gynecological diseases are also reviewed. There are often unchanged mRNA and protein levels in diseased tissue, with higher sulfatase activities in cancerous endometrium, ovarian cancer cell lines, and adenomyosis. This can be indicative of a disturbed balance between the sulfatase and sulfotransferases enzymes, defining the potential for sulfatase as a drug target for treatment of gynecological diseases. Finally, clinical trials with sulfatase inhibitors are discussed, where two inhibitors have already concluded phase II trials, although so far with no convincing clinical outcomes for patients with endometrial cancer and endometriosis.

microRNA miR-200b affects proliferation, invasiveness and stemness of endometriotic cells by targeting ZEB1, ZEB2 and KLF4

Endometriosis is characterized by growth of endometrial tissue at ectopic locations. Down-regulation of microRNA miR-200b is observed in endometriosis and malignant disease, driving tumour cells towards an invasive state by enhancing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). miR-200b up-regulation may inhibit EMT and invasive growth in endometriosis. To study its functional impact on the immortalized endometriotic cell line 12Z, the stromal cell line ST-T1b, and primary endometriotic stroma cells, a transient transfection approach with microRNA precursors was employed. Expression of bioinformatically predicted targets of miR-200b was analysed by qPCR. The cellular phenotype was monitored by Matrigel invasion assays, digital-holographic video microscopy and flow cytometry. qPCR revealed significant down-regulation of ZEB1 (P < 0.05) and ZEB2 (P < 0.01) and an increase in E-cadherin (P < 0.01). miR-200b overexpression decreased invasiveness (P < 0.0001) and cell motility (P < 0.05). In contrast, cell proliferation (P < 0.0001) and the stemness-associated side population phenotype (P < 0.01) were enhanced following miR-200b transfection. These properties were possibly due to up-regulation of the pluripotency-associated transcription factor KLF4 (P < 0.05) and require attention when considering therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, up-regulation of miR-200b reverts EMT, emerging as a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit endometriotic cell motility and invasiveness.

microRNA miR-142-3p Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Invasiveness by Synchronous Targeting of WASL, Integrin Alpha V, and Additional Cytoskeletal Elements

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, micro ribonucleic acids) are pivotal post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. These endogenous small non-coding RNAs play significant roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. miR-142-3p expression is dysregulated in several breast cancer subtypes. We aimed at investigating the role of miR-142-3p in breast cancer cell invasiveness. Supported by transcriptomic Affymetrix array analysis and confirmatory investigations at the mRNA and protein level, we demonstrate that overexpression of miR-142-3p in MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells leads to downregulation of WASL (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-like, protein: N-WASP), Integrin-αV, RAC1, and CFL2, molecules implicated in cytoskeletal regulation and cell motility. ROCK2, IL6ST, KLF4, PGRMC2 and ADCY9 were identified as additional targets in a subset of cell lines. Decreased Matrigel invasiveness was associated with the miR-142-3p-induced expression changes. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, nanoscale atomic force microscopy and digital holographic microscopy revealed a change in cell morphology as well as a reduced cell volume and size. A more cortical actin distribution and a loss of membrane protrusions were observed in cells overexpressing miR-142-3p. Luciferase activation assays confirmed direct miR-142-3p-dependent regulation of the 3’-untranslated region of ITGAV and WASL. siRNA-mediated depletion of ITGAV and WASL resulted in a significant reduction of cellular invasiveness, highlighting the contribution of these factors to the miRNA-dependent invasion phenotype. While knockdown of WASL significantly reduced the number of membrane protrusions compared to controls, knockdown of ITGAV resulted in a decreased cell volume, indicating differential contributions of these factors to the miR-142-3p-induced phenotype. Our data identify WASL, ITGAV and several additional cytoskeleton-associated molecules as novel invasion-promoting targets of miR-142-3p in breast cancer.