miR-124 suppresses the migration and invasion of glioma cells in vitro via Capn4.

miR-124 and Capn4 are aberrantly expressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tissues. In the present study, we investigated miR-124 and Capn4 expression in GBM tissue specimens. The role of miR-124 and Capn4 in the migration and invasion of glioma cells in vitro was also examined. miR-124 and Capn4 expression in 20 GBM and 6 control brain specimens was examined using RT-qPCR and immuno-blotting. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were retrieved. Candidate mRNA target sites of miR-124 were predicted using TargetScan/microRNA and binding was examined using dual luciferase reporter assays. The U87 and U251 cells were transfected with scrambled microRNA, miR-124 mimics and/or pLenti-Capn4 prior to wound‑healing and Transwell invasion assays. Proteins involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition were examined using immunoblotting. The results showed that miR-124 was significantly downregulated in GBM tissues. Immunoblotting showed a marked upregulation of Capn4 expression in GBM tissues. The Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a negative association between miR-124 expression and Capn4 protein levels. TargetScan/microRNA predicted the miR-124 binding site in the nucleotide 440-446 region within the Capn4 3'-UTR, which was confirmed by luciferase assays. Wound‑healing and Transwell invasion assays demonstrated that Capn4 downregulation or miR-124 mimics suppressed the migration and invasion of glioma cells. Capn4 downregulation or miR-124 mimics reduced the level of phospho-FAK and MMP2, vimentin and N-cadherin in U87 cells. In conclusion, miR-124 was found to suppress the migration and invasion of glioma cells in vitro via Capn4.