microRNA-451 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion through regulation of MIF in renal cell carcinoma.

The expression and functions of microRNA-451 have been studied in many human cancers. However, up to date, there is no study of microRNA-451 in renal cell carcinoma. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expression, biological functions and molecular mechanisms of microRNA-451 in renal cell carcinoma. microRNA-451 expression level in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines was measured using quantitative Real-time PCR. By using CCK8 assay, cell migration and invasion assay, we explored the functions of microRNA-451 in renal cell carcinoma. Dual-Luciferase report assay, quantitative Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms of microRNA-451 functions in renal cell carcinoma. Functional assays were also performed to explore the effects of endogenous MIF in renal cell carcinoma. In this study, we showed for the first time that microRNA-451 was significantly down-regulated in renal cell carcinomas tissues and cell lines. microRNA-451 expression level was correlated with histological grade and lymph node metastasis. In addition, microRNA-451 inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of renal cell carcinomas cells. Moreover, MIF was identified as a target of microRNA-451, and down-regulation of MIF could mimic the suppressive functions of microRNA-451 in renal cell carcinomas, suggesting that microRNA-451 might be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of renal cell carcinomas.