Tumor Suppressor miR-637 Is Associated with Cellular Migration, Invasion, and Glioma Diagnosis

Objective: Abnormal miRNA expression is observed in several human tumors; moreover, normal cell regulation can be disrupted by tumor-suppressive or oncogenic miRNAs. We aimed to investigate the role of miR-637 in gliomas. Methods: We assessed miR-637 expression in 98 and 16 gliomas and non-tumoral brain tissues, respectively, using in situ hybridization. We calculated receiver operating characteristic curves to determine the specificity and sensitivity of miR-637 biomarkers. Next, the effects of miR-637 on glioma cell migration and invasion were determined by using the transwell assay. Candidate target genes were identified through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Results: There was significant miR-637 downregulation in glioma tissues (P < 0.001). Further, it showed potential as a diagnostic biomarker for gliomas. In addition, miR-637 suppressed glioma cell migration and invasion. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that miR-637 inhibits glioma invasion and migration and could be a potential diagnostic marker for gliomas. Future studies should examine the potential mechanisms underlying miR-637 as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for gliomas.