Non‑small‑cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80% of lung cancer cases, and is the leading cause of cancer‑associated mortality worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of microRNA (miR)‑654‑3p in NSCLC. The expression levels of miR‑654‑3p and its target ras protein activator like 2 (RASAL2) mRNA were determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction; protein expression was analyzed by western blotting. Plasmids expressing miR‑654‑3p mimics were constructed and transfected into A549 cells. In addition, the viability and apoptotic rate of cells were analyzed by an MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify whether RASAL2 is a target of miR‑654‑3p. Downregulated miR‑654‑3p and upregulated RASAL2 expression were observed in tumor tissues and cells. Cell viability was suppressed and the apoptotic rate was increased in the miR‑654‑3p mimics‑transfected cells compared with the control. Luciferase activity was decreased in the RASAL2‑3' untranslated region‑wild type group treated with miR‑654‑3p mimics. Furthermore, the present study revealed that overexpression of miR‑654‑3p could suppress the viability and induce the apoptosis of cells by targeting RASAL2 in NSCLC. The present findings may contribute to developments in the treatment of NSCLC.
Keywords: miR‑654‑3p; non‑small‑cell lung cancer; ras protein activator like 2; proliferation; apoptosis.