Upregulated miR-29a-3p Prevent Malignant Features of Lymphoma Cells by Targeting MCL1

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most prevalent adult lymphoma, which exhibits aggressive clinical behavior with rapid progression. Accumulating evidence implicates microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of various human tumors. Investigating miR-29a-3p expression and mechanism may reveal novel therapeutic targets for DLBCL pathogenesis and monitoring. The levels of miR-29a-3p in DLBCL tissue, serum and cell samples were determined by PCR reactions. ROC curve reflected the screening ability of miR-29a-3p for DLBCL patients. The target of miR-29a-3p was verified by dual-luciferase activity assay. Transfection assays were employed to upregulate miR-29a-3p and MCL1 expression, followed by functional characterization using CCK-8, Transwell assays and flow cytometry. miR-29a-3p is downregulated in DLBCL, which has a high potential to identify DLBCL patients. MCL1 is a validated miR-29a-3p target prominently expressed in DLBCL. miR-29a-3p mimic notably suppressed DLBCL cell activity and adverse behavior, which was partially counteracted by MCL1 overexpression. High levels of miR-29a-3p target MCL1 to prevent DLBCL cell malignant behavior, highlighting that miR-29a-3p/MCL1 axis may be a candidate therapeutic and monitoring marker for DLBCL.