CBX1 is a direct target of miR-205-5p and contributes to the progression of pituitary tumor.

MicroRNAs (miRs) are crucial regulators for tumorigenesis through negatively regulating their target genes expression in the manner of 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) binding. MiR-205-5p has been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in several cancer types. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-205-5p/chromobox homolog 1 (CBX1) axis in human pituitary tumors. The expression of miR-205-5p was firstly examined by quantitative real-time PCR and the results revealed that miR-205-5p expression was declined in pituitary cell lines compared with normal cell line. Overexpression of miR-205-5p effectively decreased cell proliferation and cell migration. Based on the results of bioinformatic analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and western blot, we identified CBX1 as a direct target of miR-205-5p. Notably, overexpression of CBX1 promoted cell proliferation and migration. The effects of miR-205-5p overexpression on cell proliferation and migration can be reversed by CBX1 overexpression. Based on these findings, we deducted that miR-205-5p inhibits the cell proliferation and migration through directly targeting CBX1.