Background/aims: We previously performed microRNA (miRNA) microarray to identify effective indicators of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tissue samples and preoperative/postoperative plasma in which we identified miR-144-3p as an oncomiRNA. However, the molecular mechanism of miR-144-3p remains unclear. This study aims to explore the roles of miR-144-3p in the invasion, migration and Sunitinib-resistance in ccRCC and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Methods: Gain and loss of function approaches were used to investigate the cell proliferation, cycle distribution, clonogenicity, migration, invasion, chemosensitivity of miR-144-3p in vitro. The xenograft model was used to assess the effects of miR-144-3p overexpression on tumorigenesis. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to indentify AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) as a direct target gene of miR-144-3p. Quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to explore ARID1A expression level of the mRNA and protein.
Results: We found that miR-144-3p overexpression enhanced cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance in ccRCC cells. Notably, the oncotumor activities of miR-144-3p were mediated by repressing the expression of ARID1A. The downregulation of ARIDIA could promote the function of miR-144-3p in cell proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance. Consistently, ARID1A mRNA and protein levels were decreased in ccRCC and in nude mice, and they negatively correlated with miR-144-3p.
Conclusion: Higher miR-144-3p may enhance malignancy and resistance to Sunitinib in ccRCC by targeting ARID1A, the observations may uncover novel strategies of ccRCC treatment.
Keywords: ARID1A; Chemoresistance; Clear cell renal cell carcinoma; Mir-144-3p; OncomiRNA.
© 2017 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.