ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the possible biological function and mechanism of miR-143 in the metastasis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using bioinformatics to predict the target gene of miR-143, the 3'UTR and mutant 3'UTR of GLI3 gene was cloned into psiCHECK-2 vector. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to examine the repression of the GLI3 gene. miR-143 and GLI3 expression levels in 5-8F cells transfected with miR-143 mimics, inhibitor, or siGLI3 were examined, and the changes in the cell migration ability was assessed by Transwell invasion assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Bioinformatics prediction indicated the Hh pathway transcription gene GLI3 as a target gene of miR-143, and dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-143 directly combined with the 3'UTR of GLI3. qRT-PCR and Western blotting demonstrated that the expression of miR-143 in 5-8F cells was negatively correlated to GLI3 and suppressed the migration of 5-8F cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MiR-143 can inhibit the invasion of NPC cells by negative regulation of GLI3 gene, which sheds light on the role of miR-143 and Hh pathway in NPC.</p>