Mir-141 Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis of Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma by Targeting Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN)

Objective: PTEN inhibits the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway. Abnormal miR-141 expression is associated with kidney cancer. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a relationship of miR-141 with PTEN. This study assessed miR-141's role in renal cancer cells. Methods: The dual luciferase reporter gene assay validated the relationship of miR-141 with PTEN. The tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of patients with renal cell carcinoma were collected to measure miR-141 and PTEN level. A498 cells were divided into miR-NC group and miR-141 inhibitor group followed by analysis of the expressions of miR-141, PTEN and p-AKT, cell apoptosis and proliferation by flow cytometry. Results : There is a relationship of miR-141 with PTEN. Compared with those in adjacent tissues, miR-141 was upregulated and PTEN mRNA was downregulated in tumor tissues. There was a negative correlation between miR-141 and PTEN mRNA (r = – 0 646,P < 0 001). Compared with that in HK-2 cells, miR-141 expression was increased in RCC4 and A498 cells, with decreased PTEN expression. Transfection of miR-141 inhibitor significantly up-regulated PTEN in A498 cells, reduced PI3K/AKT signaling activity, decreased cell proliferation and colony formation, as well as promoted cell apoptosis. Conclusion: miR-141 participates in reducing PTEN expression and promoting the pathogenesis of renal cancer. Inhibiting miR-141 expression up-regulates PTEN, inhibits PI3K/AKT signaling, and attenuates proliferation and promotes apoptosis of renal cancer cells.