摘要：Human telomerase reverse transcriptase ( hTERT ) plays a crucial role in cancer development. We previously identified paired-like homeodomain1 ( PITX1 ) as an hTERT suppressor gene. However, the underlying mechanisms that are involved in the regulation of PITX1 remain unknown. Here, we report that the microRNA-19b (miR-19b) regulates hTERT expression and cell proliferation through inhibition of PITX1 . Compared with normal melanocyte cells, miR-19b expression was higher in most melanoma cells and was accompanied by downregulation of PITX1 . Moreover, overexpression of miR-19b inhibited PITX1 mRNA translation through a miR-19b binding site within the 3′UTR of the PITX1 mRNA. Our combined findings indicate the participation of miR-19b as a novel upstream effector of hTERT transcription via direct targeting of PITX1 .
