MicroRNA-124-3p affects proliferation, migration and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells through targeting AURKA.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between miR-124-3p and Aurora A kinase (AURKA) in bladder cancer (BC). METHODS: The expressions of miR-124-3p and AURKA in BC tissues and cell lines were detected using RT-PCR and western blot. BC cells were transfected with miR-124-3p mimics and AURKA siRNA. After this cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle and apoptosis were measured using CCK-8, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and cytometry tests. The relationship between miR-124-3p and AURKA was confirmed with luciferase reporter assay. Mice xenograft models were constructed to examine the effects of AURKA on BC in vivo. RESULTS: MiR-124-3p expression was significantly down-regulated in BC tissues and cell lines, while AURKA was significantly up-regulated compared to normal samples. MiR-124-3p targeted AURKA and decreased its expression. Transfection of miR-124-3p mimics and AURKA siRNA was shown to down-regulate BC cell proliferation and migration as well as induce cell apoptosis. As suggested by xenograft models, the inhibition of AURKA can effectively suppress tumor growth. CONCLUSION: MiR-124-3p has significant impact on proliferation, migration and apoptosis of BC cells by targeting AURKA.