MiR-101-3p Serves as a Tumor Suppressor for Renal Cell Carcinoma and Inhibits Its Invasion and Metastasis by Targeting EZH2

Abstract

Background. The role of miRNAs in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not certain. We wanted to study the biological functions and potential mechanisms of miR-101-3p in RCC. Methods. miR-101-3p was inhibited in A498 and OSRC-2 (two RCC cell lines). We studied its effect on cell invasion and proliferation. Target EZH2 of miR-101-3p was designated by different methods, including luciferase functional analysis and Western blotting. The expression level of the target gene in treated cells was quantitatively analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, induction of miR-101-3p to prevent tumor formation of A498 cells in mice was further studied. Results. The overexpression of miR-101-3p significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion in two RCC cells. Western blotting and luciferase functional analysis indicated that miR-101-3p regulated the expression of EZH2 in two cell lines. Mice inoculated with A498 and OSRC-2 cells transfected with miR-101-3p mimics showed significantly smaller xenografts and weaker EZH2 expression levels than the control group. Conclusions. miR-101-3p inhibited RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting EZH2.