Let-7g affects cell proliferation, migration and invasion in cervical squamous cell carcinomas via targeting collagen I.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of malignant gynecological tumors worldwide. Let-7g and collagen I have been reported to be involved in the occurrence and development of various cancers, but the clinical significance and biological function of these proteins in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) have not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the underlying roles of let-7g and collagen I in CSCC. Tissue chip, qRT-PCR and western blot assays were used to examine the expression of collagen I in CSCC patients. A dual-luciferase reporter system was used to demonstrate the interaction between let-7g and collagen I. CCK8 and Transwell assays were applied to examine the effects of let-7g and collagen I on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The results showed that collagen I was obviously increased in CSCC patients. Moreover, it was confirmed that collagen I is the direct target of let-7g. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments, for let-7g and collagen I indicated that let-7g obviously inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of CSCC by regulating collagen I. Collectively, these data suggest that let-7g suppresses tumor growth and metastasis by targeting collagen I; therefore, let-7g and collagen I can be considered novel potential therapeutic targets for CSCC.