miR-133a-3p Regulates Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Function of OCI-AML3 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells via Targeting TGIF2

doi:10.3870/j.issn.1672-8009.2026.04.001

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To analyze the effect of miR-133a-3p and its potential target transforming growth factor-β-induced factor 2(TGIF2)on the apoptosis and mitochondrial function of acute myeloid leukemia cells OCI-AML3. Methods OCI-AML3 cells were transfected with miR-133a-3p mimic or/and pcDNA-TGIF2.Transfection efficiency was detected by RT-qPCR.The target sites of miR-133a-3p and TGIF2 were predicted by bioinformatics,and the targeting relationship was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and EdU staining.Flow cytometry was applied to detect the apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential.ROS level was measured by associated kit.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of Caspase-3,Caspase-9,TGIF2,Bcl-2,Bax and c-Myc proteins. Results In OCI-AML3 cells,the miR-133a-3p expression was negatively correlated with TGIF2 expression,and miR-133a-3p targetly binded with TGIF2.Compared with those in the control group,the cell viability in the TGIF2 group was significantly enhanced(P<0.05),the number of EdU positive cells was increased significantly,while the apoptosis rate was significantly reduced(P<0.05);the expressions of Bax/Bcl-2,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05),while the expression level of c-Myc was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05);the mitochondrial membrane potential showed no significant change,whereas ROS content demonstrated a marked decrease(P<0.05).The overexpression of miR-133a-3p reversed the above results.Compared with those in the TGIF2 group,the mimic+TGIF2 group exhibited significantly reduced cell viability(P<0.05),the number of EdU positive cells was significantly declined,and the apoptosis rate was significantly increased(P<0.05);The expression levels of Bax/Bcl-2,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05),while the expression level of C-MYC was significantly down-regulated(P<0.05);the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly changed,and ROS level was significantly increased(P<0.05). Conclusion miR-133a-3p inhibits OCI-AML3 cell viability and proliferation,up-regulates ROS level,induces mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization,and promotes apoptosis by targeting TGIF2.

Key words: miR-133a-3p, transforming growth factor-β-induced factor 2, acute myeloid leukemia, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species

CLC Number:

R349.5

GUO Li, ZHU Junling, WEI Lei, GUO Qiaowei, GONG Yanling. miR-133a-3p Regulates Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Function of OCI-AML3 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells via Targeting TGIF2[J]. Journal of Medical Molecular Biology, 2026, 23(4): 375-381.

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