miR-101-3p Serves as a Tumor Suppressor for Renal Cell Carcinoma and Inhibits Its Invasion and Metastasis by Targeting EZH2.

Background: The role of miRNAs in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not certain. We wanted to study the biological functions and potential mechanisms of miR-101-3p in RCC.

Methods: miR-101-3p was inhibited in A498 and OSRC-2 (two RCC cell lines). We studied its effect on cell invasion and proliferation. Target EZH2 of miR-101-3p was designated by different methods, including luciferase functional analysis and Western blotting. The expression level of the target gene in treated cells was quantitatively analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, induction of miR-101-3p to prevent tumor formation of A498 cells in mice was further studied.

Results: The overexpression of miR-101-3p significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion in two RCC cells. Western blotting and luciferase functional analysis indicated that miR-101-3p regulated the expression of EZH2 in two cell lines. Mice inoculated with A498 and OSRC-2 cells transfected with miR-101-3p mimics showed significantly smaller xenografts and weaker EZH2 expression levels than the control group.

Conclusions: miR-101-3p inhibited RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting EZH2.