Ferroptosis is a newly described regulated form of cell death that contributes to the progression of non-small cell
lung cancers (NSCLCs). MicroRNA-302a-3p (miR-302a-3p) plays critical roles in the tumorigenicity of different
cancers; however, its function and underlying mechanism in ferroptosis and NSCLCs remain unclear. Human NSCLCs cells were incubated with miR-302a-3pmimic or inhibitor in the presence or absence of
erastin or RSL3. Cell viability, colony numbers,
lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) releases, lipid peroxidation and intracellular
iron level were measured. Besides, the synergistic effects of
cisplatin and
paclitaxel with miR-302a-3p were determined. miR-302a-3p level was reduced in human NSCLCs cells and tissues. ThemiR-302a-3p mimic induced lipid peroxidation,
iron overload and ferroptosis, thereby inhibiting cell growth and colony formation of NSCLCs cells. Conversely, the miR-302a-3p inhibitor block ederastin- or RSL3-related ferroptosis and
tumor suppression. Additionally, we found that miR-302a-3p directly bound to the 3'-untranslational region of
ferroportin to decrease its
protein expression, and that
ferroportin overexpression significantly prevented miR-302a-3p mimic-induced ferroptosis and
tumor inhibition. Moreover, the miR-302a-3p mimic sensitized NSCLCs cells to
cisplatin and
paclitaxel chemotherapy. miR-302a-3p functions as a
tumor inhibitor, at least partly, via targeting
ferroportin to induce ferroptosis of NSCLCs.