MicroRNA-342-3p functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting LIM and SH3 protein 1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Although microRNA-342-3p (miR-342-3p) deregulation has been implicated in the development of a variety of cancer types, its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression remains unclear. Overexpression of LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) in OSCC tissues, and its promotion of OSCC cell proliferation were recently reported. However, the regulatory mechanism underlining LASP1 expression remains unknown. In the present study, the notable downregulation of miR-342-3p in OSCC cell lines and clinical specimens was revealed. The Cell Counting kit-8 and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-incorporation assays demonstrated that miR-342-3p suppressed OSCC cell proliferation. Additionally, LASP1 was identified as a target gene of miR-342-3p through bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays. Further experiments suggested that overexpression of LASP1 attenuated the suppressive effect of miR-342-3p on the proliferation of OSCC cells. In conclusion, the present data suggest that miR-342-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in OSCC via targeting of LASP1 and may be a promising therapeutic target for OSCC.