MicroRNA-212 participates in the development of prostate cancer by upregulating BMI1 via NF-κB pathway

H.-W. Qu, Y. Jin, Z.-L. Cui, X.-B. Jin

Minimally Invasive Urology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China. qhw6619@126.com

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• Oncology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of microRNA-212 in prostate cancer (PCa) and its underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: MicroRNA-212 expressions in 72 PCa tissues and paracancerous tissues were detected by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). The relationship between microRNA-212 expression and clinical characteristics of PCa patients was analyzed. Target genes of microRNA-212 were predicted by TargetScan and verified by luciferase reporter gene assay. Proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of PCa cells were detected after transfection with corresponding plasmids of microRNA-212 in PCa cells, respectively. The effect of microRNA-212 on BMI1 and NF-κB pathway was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS: MicroRNA-212 was downregulated in PCa patients. The survival rate of PCa patients with lower expression of microRNA-212 was remarkably lower than those with a higher level. After overexpression of microRNA-212, we observed inhibited proliferation and arrested cell cycle of PCa cells. Increased apoptosis was found after PCa cells were transfected with microRNA-212 mimic. Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that microRNA-212 was bound to BMI1, which further promoted PCa development via NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-212 was downregulated in PCa tissues, which could promote the PCa development by targeting BMI1 via NF-κB pathway.

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