Tumor suppressive miR-196a is associated with cellular migration, proliferation and apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma.

Certain microRNAs (miRs) are implicated in the genesis and progression of various cancers by regulating multiple cellular processes, including apoptosis, proliferation and migration. The aim of the present study was to explore the functions of miR‑196a in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC and paired normal tissues we assessed for miR‑196a expression by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Furthermore, the effects of miR‑196a on renal cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were determined using an MTT assay, flow cytometry and a scratch wound assay following restoration of miR-196a with synthetic mimics. miR‑196a was found to be significantly downregulated in RCC tissues compared with that in normal tissues (P<0.05). In addition, miR‑196a suppressed cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration of the 786‑O and ACHN RCC cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to report this tumor suppressor role of miR‑196a in RCC. The results indicated that miR‑196a may be a potential diagnostic biomarker for RCC and that transfection of miR-196a mimics may represent a novel treatment strategy for RCC.