MiR-144 inhibits cell proliferation of renal cell carcinoma by targeting MTOR

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate genes involved in cancer development.
• miR-144 is implicated in various cancers, but its role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role and mechanism of miR-144 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Main Methods:

• Quantified miR-144 levels in RCC tissues and cell lines.
• Overexpressed/inhibited miR-144 in vitro and assessed effects on cell proliferation and cell cycle.
• Utilized bioinformatic analysis and dual luciferase reporter assays to identify and validate miR-144 targets.
• Knocked down potential target mTOR using siRNA.

Main Results:

• miR-144 was significantly downregulated in human RCC, correlating with tumor size and TNM stage.
• miR-144 overexpression suppressed RCC cell proliferation and G2 transition; inhibition reversed these effects.
• mTOR was identified as a direct target of miR-144, with inverse expression in clinical RCC specimens.
• Knocking down mTOR mimicked the anti-proliferative and cell cycle arrest effects of miR-144 overexpression.

Conclusions:

• miR-144 suppresses RCC progression by inhibiting mTOR expression.
• Targeting miR-144 presents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for renal cell carcinoma.