Role of miR-93-5p and Its Opposing Effect of Ionizing Radiation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Radiation therapy is an effective local therapy for lung cancer. However, the interaction between genes and radiotherapy is multifaceted and intricate. Therefore, we explored the role of miR-93-5p in the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration abilities of A549 cells. Simultaneously, we also investigated the interactions between miR-93-5p and ionizing radiation (IR).

Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8, transwell, and apoptotic assay were performed to measure the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis abilities. The expression levels of miR-93-5p and its target gene in lung cancer were predicted using starBase v3.0. Then, data were validated using qPCR and western blot.

Results: miR-93-5p significantly promoted the proliferation (P < 0.01) and migration abilities (P < 0.001) of A549 cells. Gasdermin E (GSDME) was identified to be a putative target of miR-93-5p and had a negative correlation with miR-93-5p (P < 0.001). Overexpression of miR-93-5p significantly decreased GSDME in A549 (P < 0.001). Interestingly, miR-93-5p decreased cell proliferation (P < 0.01) and cell migration (P < 0.01) and increased apoptosis (P < 0.01) in A549 cells after exposure to IR.

Conclusions: miR-93-5p is presumed to play an oncogenic role in lung cancer by enhancing A549 cell proliferation and migration. It can enhance the sensitivity of radiotherapy under IR conditions. We speculate that the miR-93-5p/GSDME pathway was inhibited, activating the GSDME-related pyroptosis pathway when the cells were exposed to IR. Therefore, miR-93-5p can overcome resistance to radiotherapy and improve the efficacy of radiotherapy.