miR-346 Up-regulates Argonaute 2 (AGO2) Protein Expression to Augment the Activity of Other MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and Contributes to Cervical Cancer Cell Malignancy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and AGO2 is essential for miRNA activity. In this study, we focused on the regulation of AGO2 by miR-346 and the consequences in cervical cancer cells. miR-346 enhanced the expression of AGO2, resulting in the increased activity of other miRNAs and contributing to the malignancy of HeLa cells. GRSF1 participated in the regulation of AGO2 by miR-346, and the middle sequence of miR-346 was vital for the synergy effect of miR-346 and GRSF1. We determined that miR-346 promoted the migration and invasion of HeLa cells. In summary, we are the first to report that AGO2 is regulated positively by miRNA and that GRSF1 participates in the miRNA pathway.