miR-425 regulates ovarian cancer proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis by repressing PAK4 expression

Aim To explore the biological function of miR-425/PAK4 axis in proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis of ovarian cancer (OC) cells. Methods qRT-PCR and Western blot were adopted to examine miR-425 and PAK4 expressions in OC tissues and cell lines. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and BrdU assays were applied to detect the proliferation ability of OC cells, and Transwell assay was adopted to assess the migration and invasion of OC cells. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the apoptosis of OC cells. The interaction between miR-425 and PAK4 was predicted and verified by bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. Results miR-425 was reduced in OC tissues and cell lines, and its underexpression was in evident correlation with the shorter overall survival time of OC patients. miR-425 impeded OC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and accelerated apoptosis. Additionally, PAK4 was validated as the target of miR-425, and the cotransfection of PAK4 reversed the antitumor effect of miR-425. Conclusion miR-425 suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OC cells and enhances apoptosis via inhibiting PAK4, and it is expected to be a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for the patients with OC.