MiR-107 suppresses cell proliferation and tube formation of Ewing sarcoma cells partly by targeting HIF-1β

MicroRNAs serve a crucial role in the regulation of malignant biological behavior of Ewing’s sarcoma (ES). Abnormal expression of miR-107 has been reported in a cohort of cancers, while its exact function in ES remains unclear. Hence, we explored the expression of miR-107 in ES cells and detected its effects on the malignant phenotype of ES cells. Firstly, we perceived the under-expression of miR-107 in human ES cells contrast with the human mesenchymal stem cells. Over-expression of miR-107 restrained cell proliferation and tube formation, arrested cell cycle progression, and facilitated cell apoptosis in SK-ES-1 and RD-ES cell lines. Furthermore, hypoxia inducible factor-1β (HIF-1β) was assumed as a target gene of miR-107. We confirmed the target role of HIF-1β in ES cells. Finally, restoring the expression of HIF-1β could partly abolish miR-107-mediated tumor suppression in ES cells. In conclusion, our results advised that miR-107 suppressed the malignant biological ability of ES cells through targeting HIF-1β.