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

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

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.

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.

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