In summary, we report that the GAS5-miR-23a-ATG3 axis can be regarded as a key regulator of autophagy pathways in breast cancer; it may constitute a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in the future.
A significant reciprocal correlation between PR mRNA and the miRNA levels were identified suggesting a role for miR-181a, miR-23a and miR-26b in PR regulation in breast cancer.
Taken together, our results indicate a novel regulatory mechanism of TGF-β1-induced EMT and suggest that miR-23a might be a potential target in breast cancer therapy.
The median follow-up period was 49 months. mi-23a and HRG RNA were significant independent prognostic markers in relapse-free survival. miR-23a may have an oncogenic function and enhance BC progression by directly activating FOXM1 and HRG at RNA level.
We therefore suggest a novel link between epidermal growth factor and the miR-23a/24-2/27a cluster via the regulation of c-MYC, providing the potential for the miR-23a/24-2/27a cluster to be used as biomarker in the diagnosis and/or treatment of breast cancer.