MiR-31-5p acts as a tumor suppressor in renal cell carcinoma by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1)

Yawen Li1, Jing Quan1, Fangfang Chen1

  • 1Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, 518036, China.

Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-31-5p acts as a tumor suppressor in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Its reduced expression correlates with poor prognosis, inhibiting cancer progression and cell cycle, making it a potential biomarker for RCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognosis.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in RCC pathogenesis, with miR-31-5p showing tumor-suppressive roles in other cancers.
  • Identifying reliable prognostic biomarkers for RCC is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of miR-31-5p in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progression.
  • To investigate the potential clinical utility of miR-31-5p as a prognostic biomarker in RCC.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to assess miR-31-5p expression in RCC tissues and cell lines.
  • In vitro assays (EdU, CCK-8, wound scratch, Transwell) to evaluate the functional impact of miR-31-5p on RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • Luciferase reporter assays and Western blot to identify and validate miR-31-5p targets, including CDK1.

Main Results:

  • miR-31-5p was significantly downregulated in RCC tissues and cell lines compared to normal controls.
  • Lower miR-31-5p expression correlated with poorer overall survival in RCC patients.
  • Overexpression of miR-31-5p suppressed RCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression, while its downregulation promoted these processes.
  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) was identified as a direct functional target of miR-31-5p.

Conclusions:

  • miR-31-5p functions as a tumor suppressor in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
  • miR-31-5p is a potential molecular biomarker for predicting poor prognosis in RCC patients.
  • Targeting miR-31-5p may offer therapeutic strategies for RCC.

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