miR-1307 promotes the proliferation of prostate cancer by targeting FOXO3A.

Abstract microRNAs have emerged as important regulators in various cancers, including prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-1307 in cell proliferation of prostate cancer. We found miR-1307 was overexpressed in prostate cancer cells and tissues, overexpression of miR-1307 significantly promoted cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro investigated by MTT assay, colony formation assay and soft agar growth assay, meanwhile overexpression of miR-1307 inhibited cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27 both in mRNA and protein levels. Knockdown of miR-1307 reduced these effects, confirming miR-1307 promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation. FOXO3A (Forkhead box protein O3a) was the target of miR-1307, miR-1307 directly bound to the 3′UTR of FOXO3A. Simultaneous knockdown of miR-1307 and FOXO3A promoted cell proliferation of prostate cancer. In summary, our results suggested miR-1307 contributed to prostate cancer proliferation by targeting FOXO3A.