miR-15a-5p acts as an oncogene in renal cell carcinoma

miRNAs have been reported to be involved in multiple cellular processes and the tumorigenesis of various cancers. miR-15a-5p (also termed miR-15a) has previously been determined to be upregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by microarray profile. However, the expression and function of miR-15a-5p in RCC remain to be validated. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-15a-5p in RCC tissues and cells. The expression level of miR-15a-5p was upregulated or downregulated by transfecting synthesized miR-15a-5p mimics or inhibitors. The MTT assay, CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, wound healing assay, Hoechest 33342 staining and flow cytometry were conducted to investigate the role of miR-15a-5p in RCC. The results of the RT-qPCR demonstrated that miR-15a-5p was upregulated in RCC tissues and ACHN, 786-O and 769P RCC cells compared with paired normal tissues and HEK-293T cells. miR-15a-5p was observed to be associated with RCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. The results demonstrated that miR-15a-5p may be important as a tumor promoter in RCC. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to describe miR-15a-5p as a tumor promoter in RCC. Further research will be performed to investigate the underlying signaling pathway of miR-15a-5p and the potential role of miR-15a-5p as a biomarker for early detection, prognosis prediction and a therapeutic target of RCC.National Natural Science Foundation of China [81101922]; Science and Technology Development Fund Project of Shenzhen [JCYJ20130402114702124, JCYJ20150403091443304, JCYJ20150403091443329]; Fund of Guangdong Key Medical SubjectSCI(E)ARTICLE31379-13861