Exploring the MIR143-UPAR Axis for the Inhibition of Human Prostate Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

MIR143 is pathologically downregulated and may function as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer. Likewise, the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (UPAR) is overexpressed in prostate carcinoma, representing a negative prognostic marker and putative therapeutic target gene. In this paper, we establish UPAR as a new direct target of MIR143. Luciferase reporter gene constructs identify one of the two in silico-predicted binding sites as functionally relevant for direct MIR143 binding to the 3′ UTR, and, concomitantly, transfection of MIR143 reduces UPAR protein levels in prostate carcinoma cells in vitro. Inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and colony formation, spheroid growth and integrity, and cell viability are extensively analyzed, and they are compared to direct small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated uPAR knockdown or combined microRNA (miRNA)-siRNA treatment. Switching to a therapeutically more relevant in vivo model, we demonstrate tumor-inhibitory effects of MIR143 replacement therapy by systemic treatment of mice bearing subcutaneous PC-3 tumor xenografts with MIR143 formulated in polymeric nanoparticles. This efficient, nanoparticle-mediated delivery of intact MIR143 mediates the marked downregulation of uPAR protein, but not mRNA levels, thus indicating translational inhibition rather than mRNA degradation. In summary, we identify UPAR as a direct target gene of MIR143, and we establish the therapeutic anti-tumor potential of nanoparticle-based MIR143 replacement in prostate cancer. Keywords: MIR143, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, prostate cancer, miRNA replacement, PEI nanoparticles, xenograft