Abstract
Objective: miR-155-5p as an important microRNA has been extensively studied for its biological functions and mechanisms in various cancers. However, the role and underlying mechanisms in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain to be further elucidated. Methods: Bioinformatics methods were implemented to analyze differentially expressed genes in the cancer genome atlas database. qRT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the expression of miR-155-5p and paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3) mRNA as well as protein expression. Cell lines with miR-155-5p knockdown or miR-155-5p/PEG3 co-overexpression were constructed. A series of experiments including the MTT method, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were carried out to detect the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells in different treatment groups. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay were conducted to confirm the targeting relationship between PEG3 and miR-155-5p in ccRCC. Results: miR-155-5p was found to be significantly upregulated in ccRCC cells, while PEG3 exhibited significantly low expression. The downregulation of miR-155-5p could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of ccRCC. miR-155-5p could inhibit the expression of PEG3. The overexpression of miR-155-5p could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas overexpression of PEG3 could significantly attenuate such effect. Therefore, miR-155-5p may promote cell growth of ccRCC via inhibiting PEG3 expression. Conclusion: These findings validated the effect of miR-155-5p/PEG3 on ccRCC cells and provided novel potential targets for the prognosis and treatment of patients with ccRCC.
