Transcription Elongation Factor A-Like 7, regulated by miR-758-3p inhibits the malignant process of melanoma through decreasing the expression levels of c-Myc and AKT1

Abstract Background: The ectopic expression of transcription elongation factor A (SII)-like 7 (TCEAL7) has been observed in several kinds of cancers, but its role in melanoma is still unclear. This study was carried out to investigate TCEAL7 role in melanoma progression, and uncover the underlying mechanisms. Methods: TCEAL7 expression level in melanoma tissues and cells were determined by using RT-PCR and western blotting. CCK-8, transwell chambers, flow cytometry, starch assay and tumorigenesis assay were applied to detect cell growth, invasion, apoptosis, migration and tumorigenesis, respectively. Results: A low expression level of TCEAL7 was observed in melanoma tissues and cells, which associated with malignant process and poor prognosis. TCEAL7 negatively modulated AKT1, AKT2 and c-Myc expression and inhibited cancer progression via decreasing AKT1 and c-Myc expression. In addition, TCEAL7 was negatively modulated by miR-758-3p which promoted melanoma progression. Moreover, TCEAL7 overexpression abolished miR-758-3p-mediated melanoma progression. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that TCEAL7, regulated by miR-758-3p inhibited the malignant process of melanoma through decreasing the expression levels of c-Myc and AKT1.