MicroRNA-18b-5p Inhibits the Malignant Progression of Prostate Cancer Through Downregulating TRAF5

Xiaoran Wang1, Xin Yu2, Yong Wang1

  • 1Urology Surgery, The People Hospital of Jilin Province (Jilin Province Clinical Research Center of Emergency and Critical Diseases), Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Insights

Upregulated microRNA-18b-5p (miR-18b-5p) inhibits prostate cancer (PCa) progression by downregulating TNF receptor-associated factor 5 (TRAF5). This finding offers a potential new therapeutic strategy for PCa treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer development, but the specific function of miR-18b-5p in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of miRNA involvement is vital for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role and mechanism of miR-18b-5p in prostate cancer (PCa).
  • To explore the regulatory axis between miR-18b-5p and TNF receptor-associated factor 5 (TRAF5) in PCa progression.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect miR-18b-5p and TRAF5 expression in PCa tissues and cell lines.
  • In vitro experiments assessed the functional impact of miR-18b-5p and TRAF5 on PCa cell behavior.
  • Luciferase reporter assays, miRNA pull-down assays, and rescue experiments elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism.

Main Results:

  • Prostate cancer (PCa) tissues and cell lines exhibited lower miR-18b-5p expression and higher TNF receptor-associated factor 5 (TRAF5) expression.
  • Overexpression of miR-18b-5p or downregulation of TRAF5 suppressed PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis.
  • miR-18b-5p directly targets the 3'-untranslated region of TRAF5, regulating its expression. TRAF5 overexpression counteracted the inhibitory effects of miR-18b-5p.

Conclusions:

  • Upregulated miR-18b-5p inhibits prostate cancer (PCa) cell progression by downregulating TRAF5.
  • The miR-18b-5p/TRAF5 axis represents a potential novel therapeutic target for prostate cancer (PCa).

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