MiR-618 suppresses the proliferation, invasion, and migration of non-small lung cancer via the JAK2/STAT3 axis

Abstract Objective The regulatory role of the miR-618/JAK2/STAT3 axis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was investigated with the objective of identifying a target for the precise treatment of patients with NSCLC. Methods Differentially expressed genes were identified in the GEO database and were analyzed bioinformatically. The tissue and cell levels of miR-618 were assessed using qRT-PCR, while the protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were determined through western blotting analysis.The association between miR-618 and JAK2 was scrutinized through bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase experiments. To evaluate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, MTT, wound-healing, and Transwell assays were employed. RESULTS MiR-618 expression decreased in NSCLC, leading to the inhibition of growth, invasiveness, and migratory properties of non-small cell lung cancer. This is achieved by MiR-618 modulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition, miR-618 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting JAK2/STAT3. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that a novel miR-618/JAK2/STAT3 signaling axis is involved in suppressing malignancy in NSCLC and provides a promising target for NSCLC therapy.