Effect of miR-16 on megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells

AIM: To observe the effect of microRNA-16 (miR-16) on the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells, and to explore the potential mechanism.METHODS: miR-16 was over-expressed or silenced by transfection with miR-16 mimics or inhibitor in K562 cells. The level of miR-16 was detected by real-time PCR. The expression of CD41, CD42b and CD61, as megakaryocytic differentiation markers, was detected by flow cytometry. The effect of miR-16 on the expression of myeloblastosis oncogene (MYB) was measured by Western blotting, and flow cytometry was performed to confirm whether the effect of miR-16 on expression of CD41, CD42b and CD61 was mediated by MYB.RESULTS: Transfection with miR-16 mimics dramatically elevated the level of miR-16 and the expression of CD41, CD42b and CD61 in the K562 cells. Transfection with miR-16 inhibitor decreased the level of miR-16 and the expression of CD41, CD42b and CD61 in the K562 cells (P<0.05). The expression of MYB was regulated by miR-16, and MYB silencing reversed the regulation of CD41, CD42b and CD61 induced by miR-16.CONCLUSION: miR-16 regulates the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells by targeting MYB.