miRNA-205 is a candidate tumor suppressor that targets ZEB2 in renal cell carcinoma
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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
Zhi Chen1, Zheng-Yan Tang, Yao He
1Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Background:
This study aims to characterize the function of downregulated MicroRNA miR-205 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and show how the downstream zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) is negatively regulated by miR-205.
Materials And Methods:
The expression of miR-205 was detected in RCC and adjacent non-tumor tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression of miR-205 and ZEB2 was detected in RCC cell lines using real-time PCR. The luciferase reporter assay was used to assess ZEB2 as a target of miR-205. Protein levels of ZEB2, E-cadherin, and vimentin were measured by western blot after overexpression of miR-205 in ACHN cells. In vivo functions of miR-205 in ACHN cells were measured by MTT assays, migration and invasion assays, and flow cytometry.
Results:
MiR-205 was significantly downregulated in RCC samples and cell lines compared with matched non-tumor tissues and HK-2 cells, respectively. No significant difference was found in miR-205 expression between well differentiated and poorly to moderately differentiated groups or between phase I and phase II-III. ZEB2 was upregulated in RCC cell lines compared with expression in HK-2 cells. Upregulation of miR-205 expression caused the downregulation of ZEB2 and vimentin, and the upregulation of E-cadherin in ACHN cells. miR-205 also inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced apoptosis of ACHN cells.
Conclusion:
miR-205 is a candidate tumor suppressor that targets ZEB2 in RCC.
Insights
MicroRNA miR-205 is downregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Restoring miR-205 suppresses tumor growth and metastasis by targeting ZEB2, indicating its tumor suppressor role in RCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a significant health concern.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer development.
- The specific function of miR-205 in RCC remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of downregulated microRNA miR-205 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- To characterize the regulatory relationship between miR-205 and its downstream target, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2).
Main Methods:
- Real-time PCR was used to quantify miR-205 and ZEB2 expression in RCC tissues and cell lines.
- Luciferase reporter assays confirmed ZEB2 as a direct target of miR-205.
- Western blot analysis assessed protein level changes post-miR-205 overexpression.
- In vitro assays (MTT, migration, invasion, flow cytometry) evaluated the functional impact of miR-205.
Main Results:
- MiR-205 expression was significantly downregulated in RCC samples and cell lines.
- ZEB2 was found to be upregulated in RCC cell lines.
- Overexpression of miR-205 led to decreased ZEB2 and vimentin, and increased E-cadherin.
- miR-205 inhibited RCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- MiR-205 functions as a tumor suppressor in renal cell carcinoma.
- The tumor-suppressive activity of miR-205 is mediated through its targeting of ZEB2.
- miR-205 is a potential therapeutic target for RCC treatment.
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