Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) is frequently associated with cancer progression. Altered expression of miR-211 has been observed in various types of human cancer; however, its expression and role in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unknown. In the present study, the expression of miR-211 in PCa cell lines and tissues was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qPCR), revealing that miR-211 was downregulated in PCa cell lines and tissues. Further analysis revealed that low miR-211 was associated with the tumor stage and Gleason score. With the assistance of miR-211 mimics and inhibitor, it was also revealed that the overexpression of miR-211 could inhibit PCa cell proliferation in vitro. Conversely, downregulated miR-211 expression promotes PCa cell proliferation. In addition, the secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) was identified as a target of miR-211 in the PCa cell lines, and SPARC expression was inversely associated with miR-211. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the miR-211 expression was downregulated in PCa cell lines and tissues. Additionally, miR-211 could inhibit PCa cell proliferation partially by downregulating SPARC. Therefore, miR-211 may be a potential therapeutic target for PCa treatment in the future.
Keywords: microRNA-211; proliferation; prostate cancer; secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine.