MicroRNA-451a is associated with cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an important class of small, non‑coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post‑transcriptional level. They are involved in apoptosis, proliferation and migration and are known to have an important role in many types of cancer. Aberrant expression of miRNA‑451a (miR‑451a) has previously been reported in tumors, however its role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR‑451a in RCC. The expression of miR‑451a was analyzed in 50 paired RCC and normal tissues by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the effects of miR‑451a on cell migration, proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated, using migration scratch, MTT and flow cytometric assays. The present study demonstrated that miR‑451a was upregulated in RCC, as compared with paired normal tissues (P<0.05). Downregulation of miR‑451a using a synthesized inhibitor, significantly suppressed cell migration and proliferation, and induced apoptosis of renal cancer cells in vitro, as compared with a negative control (P<0.05). In the present study, it was determined that miR‑451a may have an important role as a tumor enhancer in RCC. These results imply that miR‑451a may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of RCC.